The issue of making te reo compulsory in New Zealand schools has drawn mixed support from Tauranga political and educational leaders. Cultural awareness and understanding of te reo was already developing naturally. Mr Flavell said te reo was the language of the land, an official language since 1987, and its footprint was marked everywhere including Tauranga and Te Moana Nui a Toi (Bay of Plenty). "There's no greater expression of our uniqueness as New Zealanders than te reo Maori and we should embrace our collective responsibility to ensure its survival, rather than fear its use." Tauranga MP Simon Bridges said people had the option to send their children to Maori immersion schools but to make the language compulsory in all schools was "taking it a step too far".

Source: New Zealand Herald February 01, 2017 17:03 UTC