EMBARGOED UNTIL 1:00PM THURSDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2013

MEDIA STATEMENT

Kohanga Reo ready for revitalisation

Te Kohanga Reo National Trust Board is ready to work with the newly appointed Independent Advisor, Sir Michael Cullen, to implement the recommendations of the Waitangi Tribunal's Matua Rautia: Report on Kohanga Reo Claim.

"The Waitangi Report was released in October 2012 and the Trust Board has been working tirelessly to ensure the Government addresses the Tribunal's recommendations. The appointment of the Independent Advisor and confirmation of the agreed Terms of Reference are a positive step", said Dr Timoti Karetu, Co Chair of the Trust Board.

The Terms of Reference set the framework for engagement between the Crown and the Trust Board. The Tribunal found that kōhanga reo "remains the principal institutional vehicle for passing on te reo me nga tikanga Maori from older generations to the youngest."

Tina Olsen-Ratana, Co Chair of the Trust Board said, "It was important that the Terms of Reference did not compromise the Trust Board's bottom-lines: that the Independent Advisor's functions include monitoring progress towards implementation of the Tribunal's recommendations, and that Cabinet retain oversight of the process. These bottom-lines stem directly from the Tribunal's report".

"The appointment of the Independent Advisor marks the start of a new journey, which the Trust Board hopes will foster a strong, Treaty-based relationship between kohanga reo and the Crown for the benefit of our whanau, hapu, iwi, mokopuna and the revitalisation of te reo me nga tikanga Maori," said Tina Olsen-Ratana.

The Trust Board's key focus areas in its engagement with the Independent Advisor and the Crown will include the development of new policy, funding and regulatory frameworks specific to Kohanga Reo, and the progression of a Kohanga Reo Bill.
ENDS

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