November 12, 2015
Reo sackings a breach of treaty
Maori Television’s decision to fire two receptionists for not speaking te reo is a violation of the Treaty of Waitangi, says
New Zealand First MP Pita Paraone is accusing Maori Television of violating the Treaty of Waitangi buy sacking two receptionists for not speaking te reo.
The women’s jobs have been readvertised because the channel says it wants people in a such a highly visible public-facing role to be bilingual.
Mr Paraone says to be fired for not speaking te reo fluently when no other staff face the same language requirements is unequal treatment and a clear abuse of the principles of the Treaty.
He says encouraging all staff to be bilingual is an admirable goal but not at the expense of the rights of all New Zealanders to equal treatment .
He’s calling on Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell to step in.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com