MDS hosts the launch of bi-lingual apps Aho Wahine
Last Thursday, Media Design School (MDS) hosted Minister of Art, Culture and Heritage, Hon. Carmel Sepuloni, to launch Aho Wahine – a series of interactive bi-lingual apps that breathe new life into the traditional stories of Aotearoa, interpreting them from the point of view of the female characters.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Sepuloni said the Aho Wahine initiative builds on the success of Ngā Atua Māori produced for Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission) back in 2015.
“Aho Wahine encapsulates for me many of the great things about the creative sector: culture and collaboration, innovation, and a spirit of sharing,” said Minister Sepuloni.
The apps have been produced by leading cultural creative agency Kiwa Digital, in collaboration with a talented group of Māori storytellers, artists, musicians, translators and narrators. Kiwa Digital is world renowned for using technology to enable indigenous voices to be heard authentically.
Aho Wahine celebrates the resilience of the creative sector and acknowledges the powerful intersect between creative, technology and te Ao Māori (Māori world view).
Media Design School Country Director, Ruth Cooper says partnering with Kiwa Digital to support the creative sector is a no-brainer for MDS.
“We are New Zealand’s most awarded tertiary institution for creative and digital technology qualifications,” Ruth says.
“Our brand-new, purpose-built campus is in the epicentre of New Zealand’s tech industry, with exciting networking and collaboration opportunities right on our doorstep.”
