New Zealand firms switch to using nation's Māori name, Aotearoa

Vodafone and communications agency DDB respond after calls on companies to use the reo term

One of New Zealand's biggest telecommunications companies has heeded an exhortation to use the country's original, Indigenous name of Aotearoa, joining others that have pledged to use more reo, the Mori language, or tikanga - protocols - in their daily business operations.

Earlier this week Vodafone - which has about 2,000 New Zealand employees - confirmed it had changed its banner at the top of users' phones from Vodafone NZ" to VF Aotearoa". The company gave short shrift to those on social media who complained about the change. Rival companies backed the move.