Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon wants to create safe spaces for Māori speakers through education.
His comments come weeks after an Auckland waitress was ridiculed by a group of diners for correctly pronouncing Māori words.
Foon, who is fluent in te reo Māori, says education is key to changing attitudes.
Foon learnt Te Reo growing up in the gardens of the East Coast, and speaks in the distinctive eastern dialect.
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He joined The Hui's Mihingarangi Forbes for the last day of Māori Language Week to share his aspirations for te reo rangatira.
Watch the full interview.
