SummaryThe book is about a whänau from Pukekohe, who go on a day trip to Eden Park by train to watch the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines. Along the way the whänau teaches us Mäori history of Tämaki Makaurau (Auckland) by sharing stories about sites of significance such as maunga (mountains), events and traditional names for train stops.

This format also gives the book scope to teach correct Mäori pronunciation.

As far as it is known, this is the first narrative of its kind to introduce Mäori history and te reo Mäori in Tämaki Makaurau in an interactive way.

The App was developed by Kiwa Digital. The App enables the book to be read in te reo Mäori and English, with Kiwa’s patented technology synchronizing audio and text, word by word. Readers select their preferred language and can swipe to read, double tap to spell, or listen on autoplay.

COMET Auckland provided liaison with Pukekohe North School and educational advice.ATEED, Duco Events and NRL provided advice and assistance on Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines tournament and teams.

TE REO MÄORI DIGITAL BOOK: WHÄNAU FUN DAY ON THE TRAIN TE RÄ NGAHAU MÖ TE WHÄNAU I RUNGA TEREINA: WHÄNAU FUN DAY ON THE TRAIN

The book• Meets Auckland Plan Mäori outcomes including: Te

hau o te whenua, te hau o te tangata, a Mäori identity that is Auckland’s point of difference in the world;

• Promotes te reo Mäori and good pronunciation;• Promotes speaking te reo Mäori in public areas,

making it a natural part of Tämaki Makaurau’s cultural fabric;

• Encourages the use of Auckland’s original Mäori place names;

• Leads and celebrates Tämaki Makaurau’s Mäori history.

Broader themes • Mäori using public transport;• Fostering the development of relationships with rumaki

reo and Kura Kaupapa Mäori;• Mäori literacy and education;• Appealing to all Aucklanders/New Zealanders in

content and language.

Covers the Mäori cultural heritage of Tämaki Makaurau in a general way, taken from published sources, books, treaty settlement legislation. The producers acknowledge that there are different versions/stories and telling of these stories belongs to mana whenua.

The Mäori Language Commission’s – ‘Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Mäori: Guidelines for Mäori Language Orthography’ - was utilised in the production of this App. The guidelines outline what Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Mäori considers to be current best practice for spelling and writing Mäori, promote consistency in the use of written Mäori and standards for publication.

AT will be looking to partner with mana whenua in any updates of this story or further digital te reo Mäori books that arise in the next phase of work.Building partnerships with rumaki reo and Kura Kaupapa Mäori in projects and programmes at Auckland Transport.

Produced by: Auckland Transport, in collaboration with COMET Auckland (Council Controlled Organisation supporting the education and skills of Aucklanders) and Kiwa Digital.

Inspired by: An original idea by Tui Gilling, Senior Mäori Policy and Engagement Advisor at Auckland Transport. It was co-authored

by Tui and Nikora Wharerau with illustrations by Moanaroa Te Whata.

Acted: By children from Te Raki o Pukekohe/Pukekohe North School who helped develop the characterisation and voiceovers.

Language: Te reo Mäori (the Mäori language) and English.

Release date: Te Wiki o te reo Mäori (Mäori Language Week) Monday 27 July 2015

Interactivity: The book is produced as an interactive App developed by Kiwa Digital.

Available free from: Google Play Store and iTunes and downloadable via Auckland Transport’s website or directly from the play stores.

Operating systems: iPad and iPhone iOS and Android devices

The target audience: Tamariki (children), Years 5-8, ages 9-13, particularly those in rumaki reo or Kura Kaupapa Mäori (Mäori schools).

It will also appeal to a wider English speaking audience.