13 Dec 2010

Value of Maori language to society to be researched

9:03 am on 13 December 2010

The Nga Pae o te Maramatanga research group wants to identify how the Maori language adds value to society.

Director Charles Royal says the study called Te Pae Tawhiti ('the distant horizon') will look at issues like economic development, cultural identity and social cohesion.

He told Waatea News that New Zealand as a nation seems unconvinced about the value of te reo Maori.

Mr Royal said the study will also look at how more people can be encouraged to use te reo Maori.