Ngapuhi Supports New Maori Language Strategy
Te Runanga-a-iwi o Ngapuhi strongly supports the Minister of Maori Affairs’ new Maori Language Strategy.
Said Te Runanga-a-iwi o Ngapuhi Chairman, Raniera (Sonny) Tau: "Iwi must have a say about how the Crown supports our
Maori language. That is the basis of the new Maori Language Strategy and is something that Ngapuhi supports.
“Generation upon generation of our people have stood up and fought for more control of our taonga and traditional
resources. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is based on that desire and this new strategy is another step towards supporting that
aspiration.
"The proposed new Maori Language Strategy gives us more control than we currently have now, where the Crown controls the
whole situation. The Crown makes board appointments, controls the funding and all other aspects of Te Reo Maori. I am
flummoxed as to how some Maori can rally against the call for handing more control back to Maori. If it is the control
or appointments being made by iwi, then let’s talk about that, but let’s not argue about the Crown wanting to give
control back to where it rightfully belongs.
"Ngapuhi notes that in the report of the Waitangi Tribunal on Wai 262, the Tribunal recommended more iwi and tangata
whenua input into the Te Reo Maori Language Strategy. Their report delivered some harsh truths about the effectiveness
of the previous strategy, and it is time we moved forward in a more inclusive manner.
"Runanga and other iwi organisations are here to serve the needs of our whanau and hapu, and to advance our collective
interests as an iwi. If you are Ngapuhi, then you are indeed a part of our iwi - and anyone saying iwi are somehow
divorced from the revitalisation of our language is away with the fairies.
"Ngapuhi strongly commends Dr Sharples for moving forward with the new Maori Language Strategy and hopes that the future
Minister of Maori Affairs has the same fearless love for the language to push the Maori Language Bill through to its
final reading."
ends