June 17, 2016
Te Tai Rawhiti selects MacLeod as Maataawai rep
Ngati Kahungunu’s director of reo, tikanga and matauranga Jeremy Tatere MacLeod has been chosen by Tai Rawhiti iwi to be their representative on Te Maataawai.
Selection group chair Selwyn Parata says the 29-year-old had a lot to offer the new organisation set to lead the revitalisation of te reo Maori.
He is actively working with his iwi to retain and promote their reo and he and his partner are good role models for young whanau.
Te Tai Rawhiti is the first of seven iwi clusters established under the new Te Ture mo Te Reo Maori (Maori Language Act) to appoint a member to Te Maataawai.
Mr MacLeod says he hopes to bring commitment, determination and innovation to the role.
He says from his own experiences he knows the hardships and barriers faced by second language learners who desire to be proficient in the language.
He also brings the passion of a parent dedicated to raising two bi-lingual children and ensuring te reo Maori is the primary language in their home.
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