7 December 2001

New statistics help target Māori language spending

"Data released today will help target key domains or situations where we need to support and strengthen te reo Māori," says Māori Language Commission Chief Executive Haami Piripi.

"The results of the Survey on the Health of the Māori Language released today are provisional. There is still a lot of analysis and further research to be identified and carried out.

"Our job and that of others involved in the revitalisation of te reo Māori is to make the statistics meaningful and relevant to Māori. We encourage Māori researchers to carry out their own analysis of this new information within a kaupapa Māori framework and create their own language plans to ensure te reo Māori continues to expand.

"The research which is produced from the statistics will have huge implications for future Māori language policy development and resourcing at all levels of the community and government.

"Initial indicators show that communities are a key group for language development support. This information is very timely as we prepare to set criteria for how the $15 million community language fund we will begin to administer next year, is targeted.

"The aim of that fund is to ensure that Māori communities are supported and retain rangatiratanga of their own Māori language development. Not by offering a hand out, but a hand up, so that Māori language becomes the first language of Māori people again.

"I'm also sure data will have implications for the emerging Māori television service, iwi radio and print media. What we may see is a complete paradigm shift. We are excited about the research as a whole as it will help us to make informed decisions and be more coordinated in our efforts particularly in the area of language planning at the micro and macro level.

For further information contact:

Haami Piripi
Chief Executive
(04) 471 0244

Lana Simmons-Donaldson
Communications Advisor
(04) 471 6724
(025) 574 551
(04) 471 2768
lana@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz