Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency has been helping Te Mātāwai promote cultural inclusivity with its proposed Maori bilingual traffic signs programme, “He Tohu Huarahi.”
This initiative aims to recognise and celebrate Maori heritage by introducing bilingual traffic signs across the country.
The current proposals from May 2023 covers 94 signs in te reo Māori and English for public consultation. Te Mātāwai operates as a self governing body representing Iwi and Māori and is dedicated to rejuvenating te reo Māori. The driving force behind this initiative is the goal to re-establish te reo Māori as New Zealand’s primary language, highlighting its visibility in daily settings and encouraging its frequent use in conversations.
As part of the proposal, several minor changes to the Traffic Control Devices Rule are also in consideration.
The feedback of the proposal from the community will ensure the signs are both functional and culturally appropriate. This move is seen as a significant step towards creating a sense of belonging and unity throughout the country.
The He Tohu Huarahi Māori Bilingual Traffic Sign programme will work in two phases:
Phase 1: identify, consider, and enable a prioritised selection of bilingual signs by the end of 2023.
Phase 2: undertake a process to consider and, where appropriate, implement the rest of the signs from 2024. Subject to funding.
The final decision on the bilingual road signage will be made by the Associate Minister of Transport, however no official timeline has been set by Waka Kotahi or Te Mātāwai.
Inside Tourism has reached out for comment, but has not heard back at the time of publishing.
