The downgrading of Te Aka Whai Ora Māori Health Authority and the forced reinstatement of English names to government departments plus Act’s Treaty principles bill have raised some alarm among Māori but Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says the Government is supportive of te reo Māori and there should be no worry from the general public about the survival of the language.
“We absolutely support te reo Māori as a fundamental part of our country’s DNA, our country’s identity, past, present and future, and we should continue to do that.”
Potaka is a graduate of Te Panekiretanga o Te Reo - The Institute of Māori Language Excellence and has learnt under the tutelage of some of Māoridom’s greatest academics.
He says the Government supports the use of te reo Māori no matter where people are.
“It’s our birthright and it’s our kids’ birthright, so don’t stop. Kia kaha ki te kōrero Māori.”