The Māori policy was first adopted in June 2009 and applies to all council work, elected members and staff.
The current two-page document has no mention of te reo use but mentions the underlying principles of the Treaty of Waitangi: partnership, participation and protection.
Although it is meant to be reviewed every three years, it has been almost nine years since the policy was refreshed.
Under the five-page draft policy, the council will be obligated to provide opportunities for staff, elected members and appointed members to “learn, understand and speak te reo Māori”.
“South Wairarapa District Council acknowledges te reo me ōna tikanga Māori [the language and its cultural practices] and, specifically, te reo Māori as an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand and will promote its use within the organisation and the wider community.”
Under the draft policy, the council would also ensure Māori cultural values, protocols and practices were respected and incorporated into council activities, events and decision-making processes.