HRC to stop hearing te reo Maori complaints

The Human Rights Commission [HRC] will no longer consider individual complaints over the use of te reo Maori or the term pakeha.

It has announced that in future only a standard response will be provided.

Chief executive Rebecca Elvy said the commission does not offer its resolution service for these complaints.

“The Human Rights Act sets out what types of discrimination are unlawful. The use of te reo does not fit the criteria,” she said.

“So, this aligns with our legislation, and better directs our resources.”

Elvy told Midday Report that the commission received complaints about the use of te reo Maori each week.

She said this decision is about signalling its respect and commitment to helping te reo flourish in Aotearoa.

“We know how easy a language can be lost. I think it’s Professor Rawinia Higgins that has said it’s lost within a generation; it takes three generations to regain.

“I do understand that for those who don’t speak the reo I do understand that’s not a nice feeling. My encouragement to them would be have a go.

“There’s heaps of great resources online, there’s apps, local libraries have resources. Try it out, it’s fun, it’s a beautiful reo and I really encourage people to find out a bit about it and get curious.”

Past complaints inaccurately suggested the use of the word pakeha was derogatory, and that forms and greetings in te reo discriminated against pakeha.

Te reo Maori is an official language in Aotearoa New Zealand, and all indigenous people also have a fundamental right to self-determination and the protection of their language, culture, and heritage.

Today’s announcement is in line with other public bodies such as the Broadcasting Standards Authority, which announced in March it would cease hearing complaints regarding the use of te reo. –