Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori will retain two experienced governors after the Government confirmed the reappointment of Deputy Chair Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod and board member Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand CNZM for new three-year terms.
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the appointments, which take effect from 2 September 2026, saying the move will provide continuity as the Māori Language Commission continues its work to revitalise, promote and normalise te reo Māori across Aotearoa.
The reappointments ensure the Commission maintains experienced leadership at a time when te reo Māori remains a key focus across education, broadcasting, public services and communities.
Dr MacLeod, of Ngāti Kahungunu, has served on the board since 2019 and will continue as Deputy Chair. He brings more than 15 years of governance and Māori language revitalisation experience and is recognised for leading Ngāti Kahungunu’s intergenerational language strategy, Kia Eke!. He is also a graduate of Te Panekiretanga o Te Reo.
Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand is widely recognised for her contributions to theatre, film and television, alongside her longstanding advocacy for te reo Māori. Since 2008 she has championed the language publicly and has held governance roles across New Zealand’s performing arts sector. In 2019 she was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to film, theatre and television.
Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori plays a central role in supporting the revitalisation of te reo Māori by promoting its use in homes, workplaces, schools and communities, while also providing advice on language planning, standards and policy.
The Government says retaining experienced board members will help ensure the Commission continues to build on existing programmes aimed at increasing the everyday use and visibility of te reo Māori, while supporting long-term aspirations for language revitalisation throughout Aotearoa.
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