April 08, 2014
Reo plan wisdom debated
Controversy over Pita Sharples’ radical plan for the Maori language sector is growing, with Maori Party loyalists pitted against educators.
Ngati Whatua chair and Maori Party president Naida Glavish says she fully backs Dr Sharples’ move to give iwi control of Maori language and broadcasting funding through a new body Te Matawai.
She says self-determination is essential for Maori success, and it’s time to stop tying Maori to a ‘hand-out’ mentality where government officials give out funding in dribs and drabs to meaningless bureaucratic outputs.
But a group that organised a hikoi in February to raise awareness about the decline in the numbers of Maori speakers is calling for the minister to taihoa.
Umere spokesperson Maraea Hunia says Dr Sharples still hasn’t cleaned up problems in Te Kohanga Reo National Trust, yet he wants to set up a similar structure for the other language agencies.
She says iwi supported the establishment of the Maori language commission Te Taura Whiri.
Ms Hunia says Dr Sharples should take a breather and wait for what comes out of this weekend’s national hui at Turangawaewae on the future of kohanga reo and other Maori language initiatives.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd