Minister responds to outrageous claims by Mana Party

The Minister of Māori Affairs Hon Dr Pita Sharples says he is concerned by the mischievous rumours being promoted by the Mana Party, who have falsely alleged that Te Taura Whiri and Te Māngai Pāho are to be disestablished.

“No decisions have yet been made about the final structure of Te Matāwai or the revised Māori language strategy, however, I want to be clear that I have no plans to disestablish Te Taura Whiri and Te Māngai Pāho,” said Dr Sharples.

“If Hone Harawira and Annette Sykes had raised the issue with me, or in fact, turned up to any of the consultation hui held around the country, I would have been happy to put them right so that they did not have to embarrass themselves by getting it wrong in the public domain.”

“I would like to thank them, however, for reminding the nation about our history of Māori language activism and revitalisation efforts. My life has been absolutely focused on supporting Māori language growth, revitalisation, and for the control of that to be led by Māori and I will never step away from that challenge.”

“The proposed new Māori language strategy is based on the need to bring tangata whenua back into a position of leadership to guide the Government’s commitment and support for te reo Māori.”

“I am currently working through refining a final proposal for the Māori Language Strategy based on feedback received through the public submissions process. No decisions have yet been made,” said Dr Shaprles.

More information on the proposed plan can be found in the public consultation documents here.

ENDS

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