Pita Paraone MP
Spokesperson for Maori Affairs
Spokesperson for Treaty of Waitangi Issues
11 NOVEMBER 2015

Māori TV in Breach of Treaty Over Firing Receptionists

Māori Television’s decision to fire two receptionists for not speaking te reo is a violation of the Treaty of Waitangi, says New Zealand First.

“To be fired for not speaking te reo fluently when no other staff face the same language requirements is unequal treatment and a clear abuse of the principles of the Treaty,” says Spokesperson for Māori Affairs and Treaty of Waitangi Issues Pita Paraone,

“Encouraging all staff to be bilingual is an admirable goal but not at the expense of the rights of all New Zealanders to equal treatment - no matter their te reo fluency.

“The Minister for Maori Development, Te Ururoa Flavell, who is responsible for Māori Television, needs to step in and take responsibility for this Treaty breach and rectify it immediately,” says Mr Paraone.

ENDS

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