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Download AudioMāori Development Minster Willie Jackson says Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson needs to stop fighting te reo Māori.
Mayor Jepson has ruled out translating Kaipara District Council’s annual plan, and says anyone who wants a te reo Maori version can use an AI translator.
Mr Jackson says he’s sick of the way the way the major has been carrying on since his election last year.
“The language is such an integral part of this nation and he’s just not buying in with what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to increase Māori language speakers, we’re trying to get the Māori language right across the nation. He needs to get in tune with what’s happening,” he says.
Mr Jepson says he consulted with Māori, but Te Roroa and Te Uri o Hau representatives deny any contact from the mayor.
Minister Willie Jackson is scheduled to announce the new Māori Language Commissioner in the next two weeks.
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