Author Ben Mack

Features
Can tech save te reo Māori? These entrepreneurs think so
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As the proverb says, ko taku reo taku ohooho, ko taku reo taku mapihi mauria (“my language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul”). And while there is plenty of attention being placed on our native tongue during Māori Language Week – and an increasing interest from Pākehā in learning the language – Census data shows the number of people who can hold a conversation in te reo Māori on the decline. Many are looking to new technologies for revitalisation – and in the hope that it could get new speakers on board, too.

News
From cat cafes to outer space: local studios Runaway and Flightless unveil new games
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Ever wanted to open a cat cafe, but would rather not deal with kitty litter and furballs? Never fear: Dunedin-based games studio Runaway lets you experience such a life vicariously with their newest free mobile game – which just so happens to be bringing worldwide attention to Aotearoa’s burgeoning games industry. PLUS: Mount Maunganui-based Flightless’ new cross-platform game, Element.

News
Selling what doesn’t exist: the potential of VR
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Whether it’s a door-to-door salesperson or a multi-national retail firm with an intricate online store, the basic principle of selling remains the same: you show people something that you have and ask them to buy it. However, with the advent of virtual reality, it’s becoming increasingly common to sell things that don’t yet exist.