Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Minister of Māori Affairs
3 February 2014 Media Statement
Consultation on the proposed Māori Language Strategy
Consultation hui on the proposed new Māori Language Strategy will take place between 10 – 21 February 2014, announced
Māori Affairs Minister, Dr. Pita Sharples.
Dr. Sharples said “Te Reo Māori is unique to us in Aotearoa. It’s the indigenous language of this place, and in the lead
up to Waitangi Day it’s important to remember our collective responsibility to protect our unique language, culture and
identity.”
“The draft strategy, which I released in December, proposes that we focus on supporting language learning in the home;
and also outlines new governance arrangements for Te Taura Whiri, Te Mangai Pāho and the Māori Television Service which
would give Māori/iwi an increased governance role.”
Dr Sharples said “these consultation hui are an opportunity to put forward your views on these proposals and the
Government’s planned approach to supporting Te Reo Māori into the future.”
Dr. Sharples will be presenting the draft Māori Language Strategy to Iwi Leaders during the Waitangi celebrations in the
Bay of Islands this week. He will also attend all consultation hui being held across the country.
Details about each hui are listed below, and information on the proposed new Māori Language Strategy is available on the
Te Puni Kōkiri website www.tpk.govt.nz. Anyone who wishes to make a written submission on the proposals may do so by email or post. The closing date for
written submissions is 28 February 2014. Details of how to make a written submission are available on the Te Puni Kōkiri
web site.
ENDS
Porirua
Te Wananga o Aotearoa,
Porirua Campus
Monday 10 February10am-1.30pmRotorua
Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre
Tuesday 11 February6pm-9pmGisborne
Te Poho o Rawiri Marae
Gisborne
Thursday 13 February10am-12pmHawera
TSB The Hub
Hawera
Monday 17 February1pm-4pmChristchurch
Chateau on the Park Hotel
Christchurch
Tuesday 18 February1pm-4pmKaikohe
Te Kotahitanga Marae
Kaikohe
Thursday 20 February11am-3pmAuckland
Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa Marae, Auckland Airport (TBC)Friday 21 February10.30am-1.30pm