The grandson of a Maori politician featured on the $50 note says the Reserve Bank is really making an effort to reflect New Zealand's bicultural heritage.
Photo: RBNZ
The central bank last week unveiled a more vibrant design and has added the words Te Putea Matua, which means Reserve Bank, on the front and Aotearoa on the back of each note.
Whai Ngata is the grandson, or mokopuna, of the late Sir Apirana Ngata and says it's wonderful to see that the Maori language is being valued by the Reserve Bank and shows the world that Te Reo does have status in New Zealand.
He says it is a good thing that both languages - English and Maori - will be used on the new notes and it adds more to the bicultural nature of Aotearoa.
Mr Ngata says he can remember a time when currency never featured any New Zealanders and it's pleasing to see the tukutuku art work in the background stands out more.
