July 25, 2014
Submissions show opposition to Sharples’ strategy
Maori Language advocacy group Umere says parliament needs to taihoa on the Maori Language Strategy Bill.
The bill, which will give oversight of Maori language agencies to a new body, Te Matawai ,appointed by iwi and the crown, had its first reading yesterday, it was referred to the Maori affairs select committee.
The bill is championed by the Maori Party with support from National, but Maori MPs from other parties are sceptical it will achieve its stated outcomes.
Umere spokesperson Maraea Hunia says te reo is too important to be sacrificed for party politics.
She says the submissions on the Maori language strategy released by Te Puni Kokiri show overwhelmingly opposition to the strategy in its current form.
Umere wants the bill to be set aside and the kaupapa re-visited after the elections, so that a strategic and far-reaching plan for the revival of the nation's heritage language can be developed.
http://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/consultation/mls/
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