May 05, 2014
Sharples not credible on reo reform
New Zealand Maori Council co-chair, Maanu Paul, says proposed changes to the way Maori language is promoted and protected, are risky and short-sighted.
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples intends to create a new super-body that will oversee the Maori language commission, Maori broadcast funding agency, Maori Television and other initiatives.
He describes it as devolution to the iwi who own te reo.
But Mr Paul says the existing structures came about through negotiations with language claimants including the Maori Council, and Dr Sharples lacks credibility.
"They’re saying it’s to be devolved to Maori. It’s already devolved to Maori. Unfortunately the Crown doesn’t like the Maori who are running it, and that’s their big problem. If they have a problem with that, they should come back to the Maori Council and discuss that."
"Pita Sharples has not discussed this with the Maori Council, not consulted with us, he’s not being reasonable, he’s acting in bad faith, and that is what Pita Sharples is doing," he says.
Maanu Paul says the New Zealand Maori Council sees no option but to ask the Waitangi Tribunal for an urgent hearing into the Government’s plan.
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