MEDIA STATEMENT

Nga Kaikokiri Matauranga – Iwi Advocate for Education

14 March 2013

Iwi advocate welcomes Cullen appointment

Nga Kaikokiri Matauranga is welcoming the appointment of Sir Michael Cullen as an independent advisor to work with the Crown and Te Kohanga Reo National Trust.

"To no fault of their own, kohanga reo have been facing difficulties for many years now so we're pleased to hear the Government is taking their pleas serious by appointing Sir Cullen as the first step toward fixing the problems in the government system that have hamstrung kohanga from growing," said Awanui Black, spokesperson for Nga Kaikokiri Matauranga.

"The kohanga reo movement was born from the aspirations of Maori people to save our language and keep it alive but the multitudes of adversity that different governments have put in front them must stop.

"We are confident that Sir Cullen will pave the way for the Government to make those changes so kohanga can grow.

"Sir Cullen knows the ins and outs of government, he is highly respected in many Maori communities and having run this nation's books for a number of years, he knows how treasurey and the distribution of resources work. He is the best person for the job."

Mr Black said it was pleasing to see that Minister Hekia Parata was not using the kohanga reo claim as a political football.

"It is good to know there are people in high places who can look pass a person's political allegiance and just see them as the best person for the job because they have the right skills and experience.

"We commend Minister Parata for taking a kaupapa focused approach."
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