Teaching yourself (and your children) Te Reo
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more Te Reo Māori, start by introducing words into everyday conversations with your children.
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We are here to help
A Communication Assistant (CA) is a specialist appointed by the Court to help people communicate effectively and participate in legal proceedings. Our CAs work across various New Zealand Courts, including Family, Youth, Matariki, District, and High Courts.
Who we are
- Our CAs are experienced Speech Language Therapists.
- They are experts in communication development and intervention.
- They receive special training and mentoring for working in legal settings.
Role in court
- CAs are independent officers of the Court.
- They are appointed under the same section (s.80 Evidence Act 2006) as interpreters but with bigger responsibilities.
- They are sworn in as neutral officers of the Court, which means they are on nobody’s side.
How we help
- We assist individuals with communication needs to understand and participate in court proceedings.
- We provide support by simplifying complex information and using plain language.
Beyond the court
- Moretalk also provides communication assistance in any complex setting.
- We help others adjust their communication and provide plain language documentation and environments.
We believe in placing the person at the centre of all our efforts. Known as the rito or shoot in Māori tradition, each individual is surrounded and supported by the collective awhi rito, emphasising that: He nui ake te reo i te korero / Communication is more than talk.
How whānau can help
As whānau, you play a vital role in supporting your family member through the justice process. Here’s how you can help us be even more effective in our role to assist:
- Support the referral process: Provide information about your family member’s/ moko’s communication needs to the legal team or Court to aid in the referral.
- Provide emotional support: Offer encouragement and reassurance to reduce anxiety and stress. Let the CA know what strategies help your taupuhi.
- Participate in assessments and meetings: Your insights and whanaungatanga can help the CA understand specific communication needs. This will also help you understand our role.
- Encourage clear communication: Help your family member practice asking questions and seeking clarification. This practice will show them they do not have to hold whakama/embarrassment to assert their communication needs. (put in a link to the rules of giving evidence in the resources)
Who we can help
We support individuals with communication challenges, ensuring they can participate fully and fairly in the justice process.
- Intellectual disabilities: For those who struggle with understanding or expressing complex information.
- Neurodiverse individuals: Including autism, ADHD, and other conditions.
- Mental health conditions: When mental health impacts communication.
- Learning disabilities: For those with difficulties in reading, writing, or verbal comprehension.
- Communication impairments: Anyone whose communication abilities affect their participation in legal proceedings.
By working with the Court to appoint a CA, we ensure all participants receive the necessary support to understand, provide accurate evidence, and engage fully in the justice process.
News for whānau
The importance of talking with children
Here at Moretalk, we love spreading the word about the importance of talking to children, and we love when others do too!
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Resources to support awareness weeks
Moretalk sponsors resources released during Māori Language Week and Speech Language Therapy Awareness Week.
Learn More