November 27, 2014
Cosmetic rethink on reo bill
Maori Party MP Marama Fox says there may be changes to the Te Reo Maori Bill, but the underlying structure will remain.
The proposed law will replace a previous Act that emerged from treaty claims, and creates a new body, Te Matawai, to oversee agencies involved in protecting and advancing the language.
Critics say it gives too much power to iwi who have a poor track record of protecting te reo Maori.
Ms Fox says the Maori Party is not locked into the existing bill, but it is determined to devolve responsibility for the reo to iwi.
" When we can find avenues to express rangatiratanga, that's what we aim to do. If we can move something away from a government structure and put it back in the hands of our people and iwi, then why would we not do that. Haven't we marched for years and years calling for rangatiratanga and here is a way that we have been able to deliver that " she says.
Marama Fox says most of the submissions reflect concerns about the appointment process for Te Matawai, which is why more time will be taken to get the legislation right.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MARAMA FOX CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjQ0NTk=
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