NZ weather presenter hits back at criticism for using Maori language

A television weather presenter has sparked debate in New Zealand after she spoke out about getting regular complaints from the public for using Maori language in her reports.

Kanoa Lloyd. (Twitter @nzherald)

A New Zealand weather presenter says she was surprised at the backlash from some members over the public over her use of Maori words on television.

Kanoa Lloyd, a presenter for TV3, regularly uses Maori words including kia ora (hello) and Aotearoa (New Zealand) in her reports.

In an interview with Radio New Zealand the 28-year-old said she had been surprised to receive regular complaints from members of the public about it.

"It's been a new thing to me, people writing to me to request I don't refer to New Zealand as Aotearoa, and to be honest I was a bit surprised by it,” she said.

"I thought I had a bit of a thick skin but I've never really encountered people who take offence to Maori being used.”

"I think some people are also a bit challenged by the fact that I sometimes I refer to the North and South islands by their Maori names; Te Ika-ā-Māui and Te Waipounamu, and I say 'Kia Ora'. I try to use kupu [words] in that format as much as I possibly can," she said.

 

The issue sparked a huge response on social media, with hundreds tweeting messages of support for Lloyd.

In a tweet this week, Lloyd clarified that the majority of feedback she got was positive, and thanked the public for its support.