February 09, 2014
Reo pep talk from Sharples
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples believes his proposed Maori language strategy will get iwi more involved in reviving te reo Maori.
Dr Sharples presented his plan to iwi leaders at Waitangi last week, and intends to take it around the country for consultation in the next couple of weeks.
The plan includes an emphasis on tribal dialects and the creation of an iwi-driven electoral college to appoint the boards of agencies like the Maori Language Commission and Maori Broadcast Funding Agency.
"Iwi are going to be organised to actually own the reo organisations and hopefully this will lead to more involvement by iwi in developing local programmes to grow the reo. We're not out of the woods in safety with our language, our reo Maori, but let's hope this is a move toward more enthusiasm," says Dr Sharples
Iwi leaders spoken to by Radio Waatea were sceptical about the plan.
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