The Minister for Maori Affairs says he won't be referring the proposed legislation for a new Maori language entity to the Waitangi Tribunal as requested by the Maori Council.
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples. Photo: RNZ
The bill to establish Te Matawai is currently in front of Parliament. It aims to allow the responsibility for nurturing Te Reo to be given back to tangata whenua.
Maori Council co-chair Maanu Paul said the Minister didn't consult appropriately and the legislation needed to be put in front of the Tribunal.
But Dr Sharples said that was absolutely not going to happen.
He said he had received much support to establish Te Matawai and nothing would be achieved if it was put in front of the Tribunal.
The first reading of the bill will be on 22 July.
