For many New Zealand insurers, Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) celebrates the value of diversity in business, client groups and society.

For Andrea Boyed, Kaiwhakahaere Māori / Māori cultural adviser at Suncorp New Zealand, the highlight of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, aka Māori Language Week, will be the shared kai (lunch) the organisation hosts in its head office. 

“Not only will it be a chance for kotahitanga (being united) at the same time throughout the motu (island), but we’ll also have conversation sheets for everyone to try, and we’ll come together for some waiata (song),” Boyed says.

This is a single event of many, during one day of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, but it will represent a lot more than that, she says.

Fostering inclusivity through Māori culture

“Suncorp New Zealand is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture that mirrors the diverse communities we serve,” Boyed says. “An example of this commitment is my role as Kaiwhakahaere Māori.”

Boyed says the new role was created to assist with the development and delivery of a strategy that weaves te ao Māori [Māori worldview] into Suncorp New Zealand’s ways of working.

“I’m also responsible for supporting our people to build knowledge and capability so they can confidently apply a Māori lens to their work. The approach results in better outcomes for our Māori employees and customers.”

Premium

You need to login to access this

Login

What are CIP Points? About ANZIIF Membership