Minister says Maori will be made a compulsory language in schools

Stuff reports:

Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta says compulsory Te Reo in schools is the logical endpoint of her Government’s language policy. …

But on Tuesday morning Mahuta made clear what that first step was towards in her mind – compulsory Te Reo.

“In order to deliver on compulsory Te Reo Maori we would have to increase the number of Maori teachers in our schools,” Mahuta said.

Asked directly if that meant compulsory Te Reo was the end goal Mahuta said it was “I think it’s only a matter of time”.

“It’s not if it’s when.”

I disagree that it should be compulsory. Few subjects should be compulsory – English, Maths, Science etc. Other subjects should certainly be promoted and available but parents and students are best placed to decide for themselves what subjects to take.

The Government says officially it is not making it compulsory, but Mahuta has made clear that they will eventually make it compulsory.