I don’t understand why Tauranga City Council persists in including words from the Maori language in communications intended for mainly English-speaking people. If this is a better form of getting their message across perhaps The Weekend Sun should consider adopting this practice also?

So far as I know English is the official first language of this country with Maori being next. Providing a translation would be a good idea where appropriate but asking mainly English-speaking ratepayers if they would like to ‘korero’ is just plain silly. Also referring to ‘the mahi’ in a newsletter conveys nothing to those of us who do not speak Maori and I have to wonder how many of our population who identify as Maori actually read that language.

If you want to communicate clearly in written form – use the language most likely to convey your message but never mix two languages in the same sentence. This council needs to stop trying to please everybody with their political correctness and just do their job effectively. 

Jackie and Neil Stewart, Papamoa Beach.

TCC replies: Te Reo Māori language is an official language of New Zealand and Tauranga City Council is committed to honouring that status. Kōrero and mahi are both commonly used and understood words throughout New Zealand, as are many other Te Reo words and expressions used in council communications. In fact, korero was recognised internationally this year and added to the Oxford English Dictionary.