MAORI LANGUAGE REVITALISATION: NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT MAGNANIMITY

NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT MAGNANIMITY

Abstract

Colonisation has had a devastating effect on many indigenous languages,
including te reo Maori, the language of the indigenous people of
New Zealand. Factors which threatened te reo Maori with extinction
and actions taken in response are discussed, including some key initiatives
undertaken by Maori, but Government policy is the primary focus.
The concept of magnanimity is used to assess Government policies
that initially weakened the language and then attempted to revitalise it.
Treaty of Waitangi obligations for Government to protect te reo Maori
are considered. Census and other statistical data demonstrate the continuing
fragility of the language.