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Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples wants to put appointments to the Maori language commission and Maori broadcast funding agency in the hands of a Maori/iwi electoral college.
The new body, Te Matawai, would also take over from Te Putahi Paoho, the existing group that appoints the board of Maori Television, and it would make two appointments to the Board of NZ On Air.
Dr Sharples says the proposals for Taura Whiri i Te Reo Maori and Te Mangai Paho are part of a new Maori language strategy that aims to strengthen the focus on whanau, hapu and iwi and put iwi in the driving seat.
It comes out of recommendations put forward by Te Paepae Motuhake in its 2011 report Te Reo Mauri Ora.
He says Te Matawai will include representatives from the seven main dialect groupings as well as urban and national groups with interests in te reo Maori.
The strategy will be taken out for consultation next year.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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