PQ 11. Māori Language (Te Reo Māori) Bill—Māori Language Advisory Group

[Sitting date: 04 December 2014. Volume:702;Page:11. Text is subject to correction.]

11. Hon NANAIA MAHUTA (Labour—Hauraki-Waikato) to the Minister for Māori Development : What concerns regarding the Māori Language (Te Reo Māori) Bill have led to the announcement that a Māori Language Advisory Group is required to provide independent advice to him while the bill is being considered by the Māori Affairs Committee?

Hon TE URUROA FLAVELL (Minister for Māori Development):
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Hon Nanaia Mahuta : In light of that response, what scope will the advisory group have to change the policy intent for the bill, and if this is the intention, why does the Minister not just pull the bill?

Hon TE URUROA FLAVELL :
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Hon Nanaia Mahuta : Therefore, does he believe that the proposed representation of Te Mātāwai between iwi, Māori language experts, and educators is fairly balanced to achieve effective outcomes in language revitalisation; if not, why not?

Hon TE URUROA FLAVELL :
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Peeni Henare : Tēnā koe e te Minita. How does he expect submitters through the select committee process to give their views on the bill, when his separate advisory group could substantially change policy settings without any public input into his separate process?

Hon TE URUROA FLAVELL :
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Hon Nanaia Mahuta : I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. That last supplementary question was quite specific. There was a lack of clarity with regard to how public input will be made into the separate process that has been commenced by the Minister.

Mr SPEAKER : I think the member is making a reasonable point. I am going to ask Mr Henare to ask the question again for answering by the Minister.

Peeni Henare : Ki a koe anō e te Minita, how does he expect submitters through the select committee process to give their views on the bill when his separate advisory group could substantially change policy settings without any public input into his separate process?

Hon TE URUROA FLAVELL :
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Hon Nanaia Mahuta : I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I accept the Minister’s clarity around the role of the select committee in this process. However, the supplementary question was very specific with regard to the separate process that the Minister has engaged in.

Mr SPEAKER : I accept that, but we have now had two goes at it. The member may not be satisfied with the answer. The Minister, in my opinion, has addressed it, I accept not to the satisfaction of the member on this occasion, but after two goes I can do no more.

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