An iwi education think-tank says if every mainstream school's given the option to teach the Maori language, the economy will benefit.
Nga Kaikokiri Matauranga wants Te Reo Maori lessons to be made available in all English medium schools from years one to 13.
Spokesperson Awanui Black says this doesn't mean people will be forced to learn Maori.
He says studies show if Maori are given the opportunity to learn their language, they do better in education and will have more successful careers.
Awanui Black says the vast majority of Maori students attend English medium schools and almost half of all Maori boys at these schools leave with no qualifications.
