The implementation of compulsory Te Reo Maori in schools is "only a matter of time", says Maori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta, who says the country is ready for it, "it's just the education system" that is not.
The Prime Minister yesterday reiterated the lack of Maori language teachers as a reason why it could not yet be made compulsory, after the Green Party attempted to persuade the Government to adopt a key policy to ensure Te Reo Maori is compulsory in schools.
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson told Newshub she thought compulsion "would become more and more of a priority".
Ms Mahuta said today in order to deliver on compulsory Te Reo Maori, there must be enough teachers, "both within mainstream and Maori education".
"I think it's only a matter of time, it's not if, it's going to be when.
"If we look at schools like Auckland's King's College, they've already made a commitment to have compulsory te reo. That's a signal that New Zealand's ready. It's just the education system isn't."
She said the timing of compulsory Te Reo Maori was a question for the Education Minister, but within the teacher-supply issues that Chris Hipkins was responding to, "the provision of more Maori language teachers is key".
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