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Maori development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says iwi are starting to discuss who they should put up for Te Matawai, the new group that will provide iwi input into Maori language strategy.
The intended scope of the new body has been scaled back in the version of the Te Reo Maori Bill reported back from the select committee, and it will no longer take control of existing government bodies like the Maori language Commission and Maori broadcast funding agency Te Mangai Paho.
Mr Flavell says it will still have an important role, and it’s important iwi pick the right people.
"We need to have people who have the appropriate skills, who can work together with others and have a good knowledge of the long term vision about our reo to be able to contribute into that board. it is going to be making some significant decisions with respect to the Maori language strategy so we hope they get the best possible people available and not necessarily just those who happen to be involved because they have a history in the development of the reo," he says.
He hopes the bill will be passed this month and Te Matawai be in place before the end of the year.
FULL INTERVIEW: TE URUROA FLAVELL
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