June 28, 2018
Higgins to take Taura Whiri to next step
The Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission expects great things of his new boss.
Victoria University Māori studies head Rawinia Higgins was appointed to the role for a three year term.
She was one of the architects of Te Whare ō te Reo Mauriora, the Māori language policy framework that guides the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Ngāhiwi Apanui says Professor Higgins grew up around the language revitalisation movement.
"She brings a significant amount of mana, the first woman ever to be appointed to Te Taura Whiri, 31 years after we were established, it's taken a while. She's a relatively young women as well so she brings that perspective with her. Rawinia is someone who can take us to the next stage and I'm looking forward to working with her," he says.
Ngāhiwi Apanui also paid tribute to outgoing chair Wayne Ngata, who steered the organisation through a tough restructuring for its changed role under the new Māori Language Act.
Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com