Embracing Te Reo Māori in the Workplace: A Growing Necessity

The workplace is evolving rapidly, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. One essential aspect of this inclusivity is the growing recognition of indigenous languages and cultural practices. In New Zealand, te reo Māori has gained increasing prominence, not just as a part of the national heritage but as a critical tool for fostering inclusivity and enhancing business strategies.

Statistics reflect this shift. According to a 2022 report, over 30% of workplaces in New Zealand have implemented some form of te reo Māori integration, a number expected to rise as businesses recognise the benefits of embracing Māori culture. Furthermore, government initiatives, like the Te Reo Māori Action Plan, underscore the importance of language revitalisation, making it a central part of educational and professional spaces.

But what drives this change? More than just cultural respect, integrating te reo Māori into the workplace promotes stronger relationships with Māori employees and clients, creates a more inclusive environment, and enhances organisational reputation. It also aligns businesses with the growing expectations of socially conscious consumers, making it not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. However, for many organisations, the question remains: how do we meaningfully incorporate te reo Māori into our daily operations?

During a recent live stream at Frog Recruitment, two speakers from our team delved into the significance of incorporating te reo Māori into workplace practices and strategies. Their conversation highlighted key insights on how businesses can effectively engage with this cultural initiative.

"When I started my career, there was very little recognition of the value Māori culture could bring to business strategy. Now, it's becoming a vital part of what we do."

Professor Jarrod Haar, Dean’s Chair and Professor of Management in Māori Business at Massey University, kicked off the discussion by sharing his perspective on the evolution of te reo Māori in professional settings. "When I started my career, there was very little recognition of the value Māori culture could bring to business strategy. Now, it's becoming a vital part of what we do." Jarrod has been a key advocate for promoting te reo Māori in business for years and noted that businesses must move beyond tokenism. "It's about authenticity. Incorporating te reo isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about embedding it into your company's values and operations."

NZ Market Update Host, Frog Recruitment NZ Managing Director Shannon Barlow, further expanded on how companies can take actionable steps to integrate te reo Māori into their everyday functions. Shannon emphasised the importance of starting small but with intention. "We don't expect companies to overhaul their entire communication strategy overnight," she said. "What we do encourage is a gradual and thoughtful introduction of te reo—start with simple greetings in emails or meetings, then move towards creating bilingual signage or encouraging team members to attend te reo Māori classes."

 "Leaders must lead by example," Jarrod stated. "When they demonstrate a commitment to learning and using te reo Māori, it sets a standard for the rest of the team." Shannon echoed this sentiment, adding, "In our experience, companies that have leadership actively participating in these initiatives see a much stronger uptake across the organisation."

One practical example shared during the conversation was the introduction of te reo Māori workshops tailored to business settings. "Workshops provide a safe and supportive environment for employees to learn the language, which not only boosts cultural competence but also brings teams closer together," Shannon explained. Professor Haar agreed, noting, "These workshops often lead to greater collaboration and unity within teams, as everyone feels like they're working towards a common goal."

Both speakers concluded by stressing that businesses need to view te reo Māori not as an obligation but as an opportunity. "This is a chance for organisations to differentiate themselves in a competitive market while making a meaningful contribution to cultural preservation," Jarrod said.

Tips for Integrating Te Reo Māori in the Workplace

Incorporating te reo Māori into the workplace requires more than just a willingness to learn the language. Below are some practical steps businesses can take to foster a more inclusive environment that celebrates Māori culture:

1. Bilingual Greetings: Start meetings or emails with common Māori greetings such as "Kia ora" (Hello) or "Tēnā koutou" (Greetings to all). This small step shows respect and openness to the language.
2. Language Learning Opportunities: Encourage staff to participate in te reo Māori workshops or online courses. Offering paid time for these courses can further incentivise learning.
3. Signage and Internal Communication: Introduce bilingual signage in the office, labelling key areas like the kitchen, meeting rooms, and entrances. This normalises the use of te reo Māori in everyday operations.
4. Cultural Training: Implement training programmes that not only teach the language but also educate employees on Māori culture and its significance in New Zealand society. This ensures that the integration of te reo is respectful and informed.
5. Celebrate Māori Events: Recognise and celebrate significant Māori events like Matariki (Māori New Year). These celebrations offer an opportunity to bring teams together and enhance cultural understanding.

By following these steps, businesses can create an environment where te reo Māori is not only spoken but also lived and embraced. This fosters stronger relationships within the team and with external stakeholders, particularly in a multicultural society like New Zealand.

Find the job you love   I   Find the right talent

Get in touch with Frog Recruitment

Auckland   I   Wellington

As a white-collar recruitment agency, Frog Recruitment is committed to supporting businesses in navigating the evolving landscape of inclusivity and diversity. We specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 RCSA Excellence in Candidate Care Award, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.