In the past two weeks, the New Zealand Government has once again demonstrated its blatant disregard for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its commitment to neoliberal ideologies, writes Ivor Jones.

The Assault on Te Reo Māori

ON September 26, 2024, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced a decision that can only be described as a direct attack on the revitalization of te reo Māori. In a move that reeks of cultural insensitivity and short-sightedness, Stanford revealed that $30 million would be cut from the Te Ahu o te Reo Māori programme, which provides te reo Māori lessons to school teachers[1][2].

This decision is not only culturally tone-deaf but also economically misguided. Stanford’s justification that the programme lacks accreditation and is costly is a flimsy excuse at best[2]. The true cost of this decision will be borne by future generations who will be deprived of the opportunity to learn and embrace te reo Māori in their classrooms.

The Illusion of Progress

While Stanford claims that maths achievement needs to be prioritized, this false dichotomy between te reo Māori and mathematics is a classic divide-and-conquer tactic. It’s a shameful attempt to pit one essential area of education against another, rather than addressing the systemic underfunding of our education system as a whole.

The government’s assertion that there is “no evidence” of the programme’s impact on student achievement is particularly galling. An independent review found that the programme was in high demand, its providers were “exceptional,” and engagement from participants was “outstanding”[3]. This blatant disregard for evidence that doesn’t fit their narrative is a hallmark of this government’s approach to policy-making.

The Wider Implications

This decision is not occurring in isolation. It’s part of a broader pattern of undermining Māori culture and language in favor of a narrow, neoliberal vision of education. The government’s Q4 Action Plan, announced on September 30, 2024, focuses heavily on infrastructure and “cutting through red and green tape”[5]. While infrastructure is important, this emphasis on development at any cost threatens to further marginalize Māori perspectives and environmental concerns.

The decision to cut funding from Te Ahu o te Reo Māori is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for the recognition and preservation of Māori language and culture in Aotearoa. It exposes the government’s true priorities and their willingness to sacrifice cultural heritage for short-term political gains.

I call upon all New Zealanders to stand up against these regressive policies. We must demand a government that truly honors Te Tiriti o Waitangi and values the richness that te reo Māori brings to our nation.

It is our duty to expose these injustices and fight for a more equitable future.