The world’s first Māori emoji app Emotiki has been launched just before Christmas, with 200 Māori and Kiwi cultural icons for people to share their kiwiana moments with each other and the world.
The free downloadable app for iPhone and Android is usable and intuitive, allowing users to click on individual Emotiki icons and share them across social media platforms, messaging and email, assign to contacts, save to devices, print and more.
Led and owned by visitor attraction Te Puia in Rotorua, the Emotiki app using the latest technology to share the Māori words and concepts with all Kiwis and other cultures.
Te Puia general manager sales and marketing Kiri Atkinson-Crean says, ib a media release, that it is exciting to finally be launching the app.
“We announced the development of the world’s first Māori emoji app in May, and since then a huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes, including working closely with Te Arawa and Te Puia pakeke (elders), to make this Te Arawa led app a true representation of who we are.
“We wanted to give people, particularly our young people, another way to express themselves and our unique Māori culture. The Emotiki app is a light-hearted, easy-to-use way to share the meaning of Māori words and concepts with other cultures and with all New Zealanders.”
Emotiki icons include tiki pūkana expressions, taiaha, poi, hāngi, kai moana, people – young and old – even the ubiquitous Māori wardens are featured.
The Emotiki app is available now to download for free on smartphones and tablets with iOS8 and later versions, and Android 4.4 and later operating systems.
To download the free app, visit the AppStore or Play Store. To find out more information on the app and how it works, visit www.emotiki.com.
