Coca-Cola’s Attempt to Use New Zealand’s Indigenous Māori Language Misfires

Coca-Cola's attempt to tap market potential of New Zealand's indigenous populations could have been smoother.

In trying to incorporate the te reo Māori language into its marketing, the company accidentally emblazoned a message translating to "hello, death" on a vending machine, the Guardian reports.

"Kia Ora, Mate," read the signage, combining the Māori phrase for "hello" and the word "mate," a common term of affection in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.