Vodafone is offering 50,000 customers free Maori language lessons on their smartphones through a unique translation app to celebrate Maori Language Week.
The Hika application for smartphones is a learning tool which translates English to Maori in written and verbal forms. Common phrases are broken down into interchangeable coloured "chunks"to create sentences. Users can look at one of 12 categories - including greetings, introductions and days of the week - by swiping the chunks to create a phrase, which can be played back and shared by text and email with friends.
There's also a section of interesting facts about the Maori language and culture and a self test area for users to try out what they've learned.
Developer and University of Auckland senior lecturer, Sophie Tauwehe Tamati, said her genuine passion to revive te reo Maori was the motivation behind launching Hika.
"The Hika concept was inspired by my own experience of using English to help fast-track my learning Maori. When it worked for me, I wanted to use it to help others."
Vodafone NZ chief executive Russell Stanners said he was delighted to support the Hika app. "It's a fantastic innovation that uses modern technology to connect people in an easy and engaging way."
The Hika app can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play. Hika is available free to the first 50,000 Vodafone customers who download the app.
