3 Apr 2014

Mana fears secret attack on te reo agencies

6:55 pm on 3 April 2014

The Mana Party fears the Government is secretly planning to get rid of the Maori Language Commission and the Maori Broadcasting Funding Agency, and bring their operations and funding under a Maori-focussed state agency.

It says rumours of the proposal have been circulating among lawyers.

The president Annette Sykes says the matter is being listed in a cabinet paper to be presented on 22 April.

She says she hasn't seen it, but, is trying to get a hold of it.

Ms Sykes says the proposal is associated with efforts by the Government to create a Maori language strategy.

She believes the government plans to possibly review, restructure or dis-establish the independent role of the Maori Language Commission.

Annette Sykes wants the Maori Party to front up about the proposal.

Maori Party MP, and the Minister of Maori Affairs, Pita Sharples, has not responded to a request by Te Manu Korihi to be interviewed.