MP adds voice to call for dual language signage

Te Ururoa Flavell.

Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell backs a call for the Government to introduce mandatory Maori and English signage at places such as banks and airports.

Te reo Maori group Umere wants Maori and English signposting to be used in locations to give effect to Maori as an official language.

"We think the minister (Mr Flavell) will support us," Umere chairwoman Maraea Hunia said.

"We're noticing that our airports and banks and other organisations are putting other languages ahead of Maori, and that a law change will address this."

The group is seeking a policy of mandating te reo Maori and English signs at major institutions including banks, airports, national retail chains, schools and other large government institutions, with other languages included in smaller font.

"It's accepted in bilingual nations that this kind of signage is used, like in Wales and Canada," Ms Hunia said.

Mr Flavell told the Rotorua Daily Post he thought it was a "great idea".

"I have not been approached directly by Umere about this but it is a great idea. I am happy to champion this policy and encourage the various groups listed to adopt bilingual signage.

"We know there are already numerous private and public organisations such as Countdown, health care centres, learning institutions and banks who have dual language signage, so that's a great start."

He said the Maori Language (Te Reo Maori) Bill, once enacted this month, would strengthen the advocacy role of Maori and the Crown to promote and support such changes.

"The bill establishes Te Runanga Reo which will see Maori and the Crown develop a joint strategy and approach to the protection and promotion of te reo Maori. Encouraging more bilingual signage in more places will help normalise te reo."