Minister of Māori Development Tama Potaka. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The Minister of Māori Development Tama Potaka has announced a raft of appointments and reappointments at many of the organisations responsible for leading the revitalisation of te reo Māori.
It includes the reappointment of the chairs of the Māori Language Commission and Whakaata Māori.
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori
- Professor Rawinia Higgins has been reappointed for 18 months as chair of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission.
- Higgins has extensive experience in language revitalisation, governance and policy development, with an academic background including as the deputy vice chancellor Māori at Victoria University of Wellington and as a former member of the Waitangi Tribunal.
Rawinia Higgins Photo: Supplied
- Te Haumihiata Mason a linguist, translator and educator with a lifelong commitment to te reo Māori revitalisation, is appointed to the Board for three years.
Te Mātāwai
- Penetaui Kleskovic a former general manager of Te Aupōuri and Councillor of the Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori Ward at the Far North District Council, is appointed for three years to the board of Te Mātāwai.
Te Mangai Pāho
- Erana Reedy will be appointed for three years. She has 40 years of experience in broadcasting, producing te reo Māori content across radio, television and online platforms as well as being chief operating officer of Radio Ngāti Porou and deputy chair of Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori.
- Tamalene Painting will be reappointed for three years. She has strong te reo Māori capability, financial skills and extensive experience in broadcasting and production management.
Jamie Tuuta Photo: RNZ / Pokere Paewai
Whakaata Māori
Holly Bennett Photo: Supplied
Potaka said stories about Māori told in a uniquely Māori way will continue to support language learners and fluent speakers alike in an increasingly digital mediascape.
"These entities fulfil a wide range of roles, from preserving cultural practices and archival material to engaging with communities, so their leadership reflects the depth of expertise needed to advance te reo Māori revitalisation," he said.
"This kaupapa is at the heart of many homes and communities across the country so I especially want to acknowledge and thank all the outgoing members for their valuable contributions."
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