Te Reo Māori Kaizen 5S Methodology Poster - Accurate Consulting, New Zealand

Implementing Kaizen 5S / 6S methodologies, using English and Te Reo Māori translations, is a great way to reduce waste and create efficiency at New Zealand businesses: “Big improvements can come from small changes which accumulate over time” .

We’ve translated the 5S/6S methodology terms into Te Reo Māori and this workplace poster can be used to promote continuous improvement: Whakawhanake.

Kaizen - Whakawhanake 5S Methodology New Zealand — Te Reo Māori translation of Kaizen 5S/6S continuous improvement methodology for use in New Zealand / Aotearoa

The te reo translations of the steps used in this workplace organisation method more closely align to the original Japanese actions of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke rather than their English words. The addition of ‘safety’ as a component step is also included within the translation making this six actions.

You can download the material below in PDF format and it is released under a creative commons licence.

Pronunciation Guide for Kaizen Te Reo Translations

Māori	English	Action / Description
Whakawhanake	CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT	Review processes continuously to ensure efficiency and best practice.
Whakawehewehe	SORT	Keep only what is necessary and discard everything else – when in doubt, move it out.
Whakarārangi	SET IN ORDER	Arrange and label only necessary items for easy use and return by anyone.
Whakawhiti	SHINE	Keep everything swept and clean for inspection – for safety and maintenance.
Whakapūmau	STANDARDISE	Make up the rules, document the rules, follow the rules, promote the rules.
Whakapiki	SUSTAIN	Make a part of daily work and it becomes a habit. Continue and promote improvement.
Whakaruruhau	SAFETY	Promote an environment of zero harm with ongoing Toolbox Talks and ensure all staff have the opportunity to discuss potential hazards and propose preventative action.
Whakarima	5S	A word construct to indicate “5 Whakas”. The process which excludes the Whakaruruhau/safety component.
Whakaono	6S	A word construct to indicate “6 Whakas” including the Whakaruruhau/safety component.