Throughout July, Vodafone Aotearoa will be celebrating Matariki as part of its ongoing commitment to integrating Māori culture, language and philosophies into the business.
Events will be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for Vodafone staff and some external partners to celebrate and reflect together through korero, kai, waiata and games.
Vodafone’s Head of Māori Development, Kirstin Te Wao explains, “Our Matariki celebrations are an important part of our Māori development strategy and commitment to honouring the principles of Te Tīriti o Waitangi by embedding te ao Māori across the business as well as championing and supporting Māori businesses where we can.
“Matariki is a wonderful opportunity to bring our Vodafone whānau together, to unify our team, increase cultural capability and create an inclusive workplace environment.
“Our Matariki events are a chance for Vodafone people to reflect on the year that’s been, acknowledge the learnings, celebrate our team’s successes and set our intentions for the future. We’re grateful to have partners Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to our event in Ōtautahi on Tuesday 6th July - and to spotlight the work of Ngahere Communities as a remarkable Māori business doing some great digital mahi.”
In November 2020 Vodafone partnered with Ngahere Communities, a social enterprise based in Manukau, who work purposefully to support South Auckland talent, to develop a community led 5G education campaign.
Te Wao says, “This year we’re looking forward to spotlighting Kāri Māori in our Matariki celebrations – these beautiful Māori inspired playing cards embody the spirit of Matariki by celebrating Māori culture and bringing people together.
“I’m sure everyone will love the stunning cards designed by Jordy Elise and packaged exquisitely in deluxe wooden boxes made by the Manurewa High School Makers Space. The cards are a perfect example of the collaborative approach of Ngahere Communities and we’re so happy to support them in this small way.”
Vodafone will also have a number of supporting events within the organisation during July including a pōwhiri to welcome Joe Goddard, Commercial Director to the business on July 5; running workshops to learn the Vodafone waiata with Tapeta Wehi, Founding Director of Te Wehi Haka; and continuing to lift cultural capability across the company through Te Kaa with Maurea Consulting, Kāwai as the Māori and Pacific Leadership program and Te Ara Reo Māori classes in Auckland to help Vodafoners progress their reo journey.
