Te Waipounamu, Rēkohu/Chatham Islands/Wharekauri select their member on Te Mātāwai.

28 July 2016

Iwi from Te Waipounamu, Rēkohu/Chatham Islands/Wharekauri have selected Nuki Tākao to be on Te Mātāwai, the new organisation set to lead the revitalisation of te reo Māori on behalf of iwi and Māori.

Ms Tākao (Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Toarangatira, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Tūhoe) is a Director of Māreikura Ltd delivering a range of services as a tutor, lecturer, editor, consultant, advocate, mentor, facilitator, and educational leadership within the realms of Te Reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori.

Jane du Feu the spokesperson for the selection group, said the candidates were of a very high calibre which made the selection process very intense. All were dedicated in the retention and revitalisation of te reo Māori.

She added, “Nuki Tākao is a lifelong passionate practitioner of te reo Māori, and has an in depth understanding of the unique diverse difficulties we face in Te Waipounamu, Wharekauri/Chatham Islands/Rēkohu to retain and revitalise te reo Māori. She brings a wealth of experience to the position and we are confident that Nuki will be able to represent the 11 Iwi.”

Ms Tākao said it was an honour to be selected and she hoped to bring commitment, tenacity, and innovative solutions to Te Mātāwai.

The 11 Iwi involved in the Te Waipounamu, Rēkohu/Chatham Islands/Wharekauri cluster have indicated their ongoing support as a “tuarā” for the appointed member.

(End of statement)

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