Luamanuvao Winne Laban has called for the Tokelauan, Niuean and Cook Islands
languages to be accorded official status in New Zealand (31-01-2012).
Ms Laban is an Associate Professor at Victoria University; she was
previously a Labour Party MP.
"New
Zealand has the responsibility of ensuring that the languages of the
realm and our near neighbours are preserved."
"The
people of Tokelau, Niue and the Cook Islands are New Zealand citizens
and New Zealand has constitutional responsibilities."
"Perhaps
it is time for the development of a language policy to protect,
maintain and rejuvenate Pacific languages spoken in New Zealand,"
Ms Laban said.
Race
relations conciliator Joris de Bres said Tokelau, Niue and the Cook
Islands remained a part of the "New Zealand realm".
All
had a majority of their population living in New Zealand and language
retention in New Zealand was vital to the survival of their
languages.
Te
Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori (Maori Language Commission) chief
executive Glenis Philip-Barbara has voiced support for Pacific languages to be officially recognised in New Zealand.
Chris Laidlaw discussed this matter on his Sunday programme with Professor
Paul Warren on 5 February 2012. This interview is available for listening to.
The
Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs is developing
a Pacific Languages Framework (PLF), and are working towards
submitting a final Framework to Cabinet this year. In support of the
use of Pacific languages in the home and community, the Ministry has
developed a
series of language resources in partnership with Niuean, Tokelauan and Cook Islands communities.
The
Human Rights Commission as a detailed report called Language Policy and Practice in New Zealand which
summarises many programmes and initiatives, including some that
relate to Pacific languages.
