Loyalty NZ has taken out the top prize in the national whakataetae (competition) for te wiki o te reo Māori. A total of 206 organisations nationwide entered Education Perfect’s whakataetae, including Ministry of Education, SkyCity Entertainment Group, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, Briscoes, NZ Trade and Enterprise, Fujitsu, Placemakers, Z Energy and Foodstuffs North Island.
“We saw the whakataetae as the perfect way to celebrate te wiki o te reo Māori this year while we actively learned te reo Māori and tikanga,” says Loyalty NZ Chief Executive Lizzy Ryley.
“It’s fair to say we have a bit of competitive streak, and our team really embraced the challenge. We’re delighted with the win.”
Brian Ferris, Christine Adair and Adéle Pieterse with awards on behalf of the team
Following the win, Education Perfect’s Chief Executive Alex Burke, Te Rau Winterburn and Bevan Jones joined Loyalty NZ to celebrate the achievement with a special mihi whakatau.
“We’re honoured to be the kaitiaki of Te Kukune over the next 12 months. This taonga was especially carved and is presented to the winners to look after until the whakataetae is held again the following year,” says Loyalty NZ Chief Technology and Data Officer, Brian Ferris (pictured).
First prize also includes a trophy, a certificate (both pictured) and a $3,000 donation to Loyalty NZ’s charities of choice which are the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch City Missions.
Enthused by the win, the Loyalty NZ Team is all geared for te Ao Māori for Professionals course over the next 12 months via Education Perfect’s online platform.