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The Ngapuhi Runanga is backing a plan to give iwi control of the agencies responsible for the crown’s input to Maori language revitalisation.
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples is introducing legislation to create a new iwi-appointed body, Te Matawai, that will oversee the Maori Language Commission, the broadcast funding agency and eventually Maori Television.
Ngapuhi chair Sonny Tau says iwi are more than ready, willing and able to step up to the challenge.
He says Te Taura Whiri and Te Mangai Paoho have not improved Te Reo at all, and the number of native speakers is going down.
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