April 19, 2016
Maori Party co leader, Marama Fox on Paakiwaha
Te Pire Mo Te Reo Maori – The Maori Language Bill was passed in Parliament last week.
The bill has established Te Maataawai, an independent entity comprising of iwi, stakeholders and Crown representatives which will help develop plans to support Te Reo revitalisation.
It replaces the Maori Language Act of 1987.
Marama Fox says,” we have firmly put the mana and the putea in the hands of the people, let the people decide”.
She says we underestimate ourselves too much but we need to have some faith that our people know what they are doing and we need to do more to ensure that our language doesn’t continue to decline.
Marama Fox says that obviously there will be accountability as it is taxpayer money.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com