Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon is calling for "urgent action" on a five-year strategy for te reo Māori to be introduced in schools as a core subject.
Foon said in a statement he had written to Education Minister Chris Hipkins and party leaders in 2021 to make his concerns known.
In the letter he wrote:
"The normalisation of te reo Māori would help address issues around Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the destructive effects of colonisation and structural racism by building empathy, understanding and ultimately allyship."
In the letter, Foon made it clear Te Tiriti responsibilities require the protection of taonga Māori, which includes te reo.
"The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples also includes the right to revitalise, use and develop language for future generations," Foon added.
Foon said he hopes discussion with politicians continue with the goal to implement compulsory te reo Māori for year 10 students at least.
“It is all about building a socially cohesive country where everyone is on the same page and unified in our approach to indigenous culture.”
Foon said he recognises te reo Māori's value in Aotearoa going forward.
"Te reo Māori has helped me build relationships within the communities I try to serve, and it has also assisted in connecting many diverse cultures and Māori."
The Commissioner said both Māori and non-Māori students in schools want to learn the language but understands resourcing Māori teachers is a challenge. He says that is why there needs to be a five-year plan.
“We have a generation of Māori speakers coming through – the talent pool is there, we just have to make teaching a more attractive proposition.”
Foon said the government is working towards strengthening Māori education, but believes "their strategy lacks teeth in terms of tangible and urgent action".
