“We know that children do better when they are connected to their culture and language. We’re incredibly proud that Oranga Tamariki has been able to lead the way.”

Holika Uhila, General Manager Pacific, Oranga Tamariki

" Malo ni, Kaya and Greetings from Noongar Country in Western Australia. Thank you for this Awesome resource ‘Talanoa Mai’ and accessibility to our Pasifika languages. Acknowledgements to Oranga Tamariki for providing the global accessibility to our Pasifika languages."

Nila Lemisio-Poasa

"Love this, born and raised in America raised speaking Tongan but great to be able to brush up on my Tongan plus I married palangi so this will be helpful for him too, love this app."

Siko Pio, Google Play Store

"What a great app, just what I needed to learn about our Pasifika cultures and customs especially the reo (language). Love it."

Xtina Manuela, Google Play Store

" Acknowledgements to Oranga Tamariki for providing the global accessibility to our Pasifika languages." Nila Lemisio-Poasa

Oranga Tamariki – Talanoa Mai

Talanoa Mai is an interactive learning resource for Oranga Tamariki staff to support their day to day work when engaging with Pacific children, young people and their families.

Talanoa Mai enables users to move between seven nations – Samoa, Niue, Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Tokelau and Tuvalu – using the immersive technology to learn more about each Pacific peoples’ unique cultural heritage and identity.

Interactive features include the ability to toggle between languages, pronunciation support, audio for prayers and songs, maps connecting Pacific peoples with their nations wherever they currently live, self-recording, the Oranga Tamariki Pacific Strategy and Cultural Framework, and background notes for further exploration.

The app is the first of its kind in Aotearoa. It is designed to help social workers build their cultural confidence and connect with Pacific children and their families. The app is also available to all staff, community partners and members of the public.

Users can chat, sing and chant their way to greater understanding of Pacific cultures. They can even sign up for notifications to keep them on track and further connect them with Pacific communities.

Features
  • Swipe-to-Read™
  • Touch-to-Hear™
  • Touch-to-Spell™
  • Record your narration
  • Multiple languages
  • Notes