New face on Maori language review panel

Te Kahautu Maxwell, from the Bay of Plenty, has been appointed today to Te Paepae Motuhake, the independent panel reviewing the Maori language sector and strategy.

The Minister of Maori Affairs made the appointment to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Pem Bird, of Ngati Manawa.

“The heavy workload of leading his Kura-a-iwi, coupled with his recent election as President of the Maori Party, has led Pem to resign from Te Paepae Motuhake,” said Dr Sharples.

“I want to really thank Pem for helping to establish a firm footing for the review panel, especially the aspects relating to teaching children, and language in the commmunity,” he said.

“I also want to thank Te Kahautu Maxwell, who has agreed to join Te Paepae Motuhake.

“Te Kahautu is from the waka confederations of Horouta, Tainui and Mataatua, stretching from Ngati Porou through Te Whanau a Apanui, Ngai Tai, te Whakatohea, Ngati Awa and Tuhoe, and across to Ngati Maniapoto.

“He is an expert in language and tikanga, and a Minister of the Ringatu Church. He is skilled in performing arts, as a composer of songs, haka and poi, and tutor of Opotiki Mai Tawhiti kapa haka, and he is Mataatua’s rep on Te Matatini. Te Kahautu is currently head of Tikanga at Waikato University’s School of Maori and Pacific Development.

“So we farewell Pem as he returns home, and welcome Te Kahautu to the Paepae Motuhake. I thank you both, and acknowledge your great contribution to our language,” said Dr Sharples.