The Government says it's too early to criticise its proposed Te Reo strategy - because it's still being written.
The Labour Party said plans to put the leadership of the language in the hands of a tribal-led group lacked clarity and focus.
But Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples said the project had not been finalised.
He said it was premature for Labour's Maori Affairs spokesperson, Nanaia Mahuta, to take issue with the strategy.
Dr Sharples stands by his plan, saying the main point of the proposal was to set up iwi-run Te Matawai, which would have the authority to revitalise the language.
He said it was about devolving power to the people who owned Te Reo, which is Iwi-Maori.
