A kuia recognised as a leader in language revitalisation hopes the responsibility of Te Reo will break away from the Ministry of Education and come under its own department.
Kaa Williams Photo: Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori
Kaa Williams received the Maori language leadership award at this year's Te Reo awards.
The Maori Language Awards recognise the Te Reo efforts by a variety of people, including a community as well as individuals.
About 17 titles were announced, including Ngati Kahungunu which won the Supreme and Community awards.
Kaa Williams, of Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Manawa, Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Kahungunu, was humbled to receive her tohu.
In Te Reo, she said one of her ultimate dreams is for the language is for it to have its own ministry, because at the moment it comes under a department which mainly focuses on the English language.
Kaa Williams says her other aspiration is for Te Reo to be taught in all schools, including mainstream kura.
