EMBARGOED UNTIL 12 NOON

20 October 2010

Media Release

Timely release of Te Reo Māori report by Tribunal

The Waitangi Tribunal has issued an early release of the “Te Reo Māori” chapter of the report on WAI 262, so that it may be considered by a Ministerial review of the Māori language sector and strategy, which is currently underway.

In doing so the Tribunal has stressed that the findings of the “Te Reo Māori” chapter should be considered provisional until the release of the full and final WAI 262 report.

With due regard for the unique circumstances which have given rise to the release of this chapter, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission) welcomes the Tribunal’s report and looks forward to providing a considered commentary on its content as a means of advancing outcomes for te reo Māori.

Board Chair, Erima Henare says, “Board members and I expect to fully canvas the content and findings of the report at our meeting next week.”

“I am on record as having previously stressed improved collaboration between state agencies”.

“More recently I discussed the complicated role Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori performs in representing and advocating for iwi and hapū aspirations for the language in a political environment.”

“I am also on record as challenging the status of the language in particular expressing concern at the falling number of what is regarded as ‘native’ – or highly proficient Māori language speakers.”

“I do not withdraw from those comments and an initial assessment of the Tribunal’s summary supports my views, however it is important for the Board to consider this chapter more fully – and we will do so in due course. No doubt other considerations will surface once surrounding context of the chapter is outlined and the complete WAI 262 report is released.”

ENDS

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