GOVERNMENT'S MaORI LANGUAGE STRATEGY^[1] TE RAUTAKI REO MaORI

By 2028, the Maori language will be widely spoken by Maori. In particular, the Maori language will be in common use within Maori whanau, homes and communities. All New Zealanders will appreciate the value of the Maori language in New Zealand society.

There are five interrelated goals within the Maori Language Strategy that will support the achievement of the vision.

Goal 1 Strengthening Language Skills indicates that we must keep building the overall pool of Maori language speakers, and the quality of Maori language skills.

Goal 2 Strengthening Language Use shows that we must continue to foster opportunities and outlets for people to use their Maori language skills.

Goal 3 Strengthening Education Opportunities in the Maori Language shows that we must maintain a focus on Maori language education provisions...This also provides opportunities for the non-Maori population to actively engage in learning and using the Maori language.

Goal 4 Strengthening Community Leadership for the Maori Language indicates that it is necessary to plan language activities and initiatives at a local community level in order to promote sustainable and meaningful change.

Goal 5 Strengthening Recognition of the Maori Language acknowledges that a positive and receptive environment is important to encourage people to use their Maori language skills, and the support of wider New Zealand society is required for this.

Te Reo Maori is an official language of New Zealand by virtue of the Maori Language Act 1987. Being an official language means that Maori language can be spoken in Court and other official places like Parliament.

It also means that those who want to converse with the Public Service in Maori should be able to do so.