PRESS RELEASE 16 December 2013

From: John Bishara

Chief Executive

Te Māngai Pāho

Change of Governance Proposed in Revised Māori Language Strategy

The Chief Executive of Te Māngai Pāho, John Bishara, says that he is looking forward to hearing the response from Māori language stakeholders to proposed changes to the governance arrangements for Te Māngai Pāho.

The Minister of Māori Affairs, Hon Dr Pita Sharples, today announced proposals for changes to the governance arrangements for Te Māngai Pāho, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori and Māori Television as part of wider changes to the government’s Māori Language Strategy.

John Bishara said “The Minister of Māori Affairs has been actively sharing his own views with the Board of Te Māngai Pāho on how to improve Māori Language Revitalisation. The Minister’s announcement today confirms his original plan to put greater control of Māori Language Revitalisation back into the hands of key Māori language stakeholders.”

“Proposals for the transfer of “ownership” of Te Māngai Pāho, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission) and Māori Television as described in the Minister’s announcement today will generate debate and discussion. However, for Te Māngai Pāho, it is very important that during the consultation phase, as well as in any future change period, that the organisation continues to focus on the business of the day.”

“I am not expecting any immediate operational changes from the announcement and we look forward to the outcome from the consultation rounds.”

John Bishara

Chief Executive

Te Māngai Pāho

Ends

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