July 17, 2014
Tainui head backs Sharples’ language plan
Waikato Tainui executive chair Rahui Papa has come out in favour of the controversial Te Matawai language strategy.
For his swansong, Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples has introduced a bill setting up a new governance body for Maori language agencies and Maori Television.
The New Zealand Maori Council and leading Maori language advocates have slammed the bill as putting at risk what has been achieved through the treaty settlement process.
But Mr Papa says it gives iwi the opportunity to lead and guide te reo Maori revitalisation efforts.
He says its promotion of seven dialectal regions will enhance various hapu and iwi dialects and ensure their survival.
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