Māori Development Minister encourages govt agencies to be bilingual

Friday, 13 September 2024

The Māori Development Minister said he encourages agencies to be bilingual and to use te Reo Māori.

Newsable spoke with the minister ahead of Māori Language Week kicking off on Saturday.

Click the player button below to listen to the full interview.

On the eve of Māori Language Week beginning, Tama Potaka said he believes it’s “mis-characterising“ the position of the government by saying it wants to prioritise the English language over the Māori language.

“We want to make sure that [government agency] communication is done in the language that users know how to use and need,” the Māori Development Minister said on Stuff’s daily podcast, Newsable.

That being said, he did want agencies to use more than one.

“I encourage all agencies to be bilingual.. and be able to communicate in te Reo Māori.”

Click the play button above to listen for more or click here.

“We’ll find over time that more New Zealanders will use te Reo Māori as their first language, and their primary language of communication,” the minister said.

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori begins on Saturday September 14, and aims to inspire all Kiwis to speak the language proudly - something Potaka does.

“For me, Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is every week.”

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