2 Sep 2009

Call for compulsory te reo lessons for children

6:54 am on 2 September 2009

A leading authority on the Maori language wants compulsory te reo lessons for all children - both Maori and Pakeha.

Waitangi Tribunal member Te Wharehuia Milroy was awarded the Creative New Zealand Te Waka Toi award at the weekend for his contribution to the revitalisation of te reo Maori.

He told Waatea News that language is a taonga under the Treaty and the Government has a duty to ensure it's protected and available to all Maori.

Te Wharehuia Milroy says making Maori compulsory will improve its status in the school system and ensure resources are put into it.