Celebrating staff Te Reo Māori journeys

ANZ New Zealand is introducing special tohu (badges) to celebrate staff members who have completed its Te Waka Ā Reo language programme.

The courses were introduced as part of its Tākiri-Ā-Rangi Te Ao Māori strategy in 2022, and on June 25 the third level of the language course - Te Wānanga Tuatoru – was made available to staff.

Almost 1500 of ANZ’s 8000 staff have now completed one or more of the bank’s Te Reo Māori courses.

“The tohu are a way to celebrate the achievement of our staff who committed time and energy to engage in ANZ’s flagship reo and cultural competency programme,” says Karleen Everitt, ANZ’s Kaitohu Rautaki Māori (Head of Te Ao Māori Strategy).

“It also is a great expression of ANZ’s commitment to Te Ao Māori.”

“The tohu signify that a staff member has taken part in the courses, knows basic greetings and is in the process of learning more about te reo Māori.”

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The tohu feature a waka designed by artist Geoff Popham, who has also designed a new series of Matariki-themed ANZ bank card designs in conjunction with three Silver Ferns players as part of ANZ Matariki campaign this year, Nga Hihi O Matariki, The Rays of Matariki.

ANZ is proud to have partnered with Waikato tohunga mahi toi (artisan) Tamiaho Herangi-Searanke of Taiora Taonga to produce the tohu, which will come in two colours – silver and gold.

Silver tohu will be awarded to staff who have completed level 3 of the course, and gold tohu will go to those who have completed level 4.

“Te Waka Ā Reo; ANZ’s Reo programme celebrates our unique culture in Aotearoa New Zealand and enhances the work we do for and with our customers,” says Karleen.

“Introducing the tohu is a chance for our staff to proudly share their journey of learning te reo Māori and their commitment to te reo and tikanga Māori, to Te Ao Māori.  It has been such an honour to witness our staff engage in this programme” 

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“The tohu signify that a staff member has taken part in the courses, knows basic greetings and is in the process of learning more about te reo Māori.”

Karleen Everitt, ANZ’s Kaitohu Rautaki Māori (Head of Te Ao Māori Strategy).

ANZ Capability Design Manager Erica Te Huna said Te Waka Ā Reo is designed to create a safe environment for all staff across Aotearoa to embrace te reo Māori, and the uptake of the courses has been inspirational.

“This program is unlike anything ANZ New Zealand has ever created,” Erica said.

“It is a taonga that honours and traces our commitments back to the promise of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) but most importantly, it connects deeply to the culture of Te Ao Māori and our whakapapa to this country of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Demand for the programme has exceeded expectations, Erica said, with staff asking for more courses to extend their knowledge and skills.

“Since the introduction of Te Waka Ā Reo, the cultural competency of ANZ staff has visibly grown, with staff at different levels more confidently using Te Reo Māori within ANZ and with customers,” Erica said.

You can find out about Tākiri-Ā-Rangi ANZ’s Te Ao Māori strategy here. 

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