Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples has defended allegations he hasn't been "visible" enough in promoting te reo.
Pita Sharples. Photo: MAORI PARTY
Labour Party list MP Shane Jones says Dr Sharples is not generating new ideas to encourage Maori children to go to pre-school or addressing issues with kohanga reo.
Last year, the Waitangi Tribunal made recommendations relating to kohanga which have not yet been implemented.
Dr Sharples says he is fighting to save kohanga and is creating new early education opportunities for Maori and visits the schools often.
He says the outcome of the Waitangi Tribunal inquiry had to be determined without interference as minister. However, he says he has met with the parties and they are on the right track.
