Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is deeply concerned by guidance recently issued by the Public Service Commission that discourages public servants from attending the annual Te Wiki o te Reo Māori parade.
The union is warning that the guidance could have a chilling effect on public servants’ work to protect and promote te reo Māori.
“We are calling on Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche to withdraw this flawed guidance and send a clear public message that public servants are encouraged to attend the parade,” said PSA Te Kaihautū Māori Jack McDonald.
“For a number of years many public service departments have appropriately supported their employees to participate in these parades. Departments have a duty to promote te reo Māori and support its revitalisation.
“Attending an event organised by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori is entirely consistent with a public servant’s obligations and the policies their employers are required to operate under the Public Service Act.
“The Crown has a commitment under Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016 to work in partnership with Māori to actively protect and promote te reo Māori for future generations. Attendance at the parade by public servants during work hours should therefore be expected and encouraged.
“The Commission’s guidance is also in flagrant disregard of recent findings from the Waitangi Tribunal’s report on the Te Reo in the Public Sector Urgent Inquiry, including that the Crown is required to take active steps to redress the vulnerable state of te reo Māori, and that the Crown must do more to upskill the public service in te reo Māori.
“It is very clear that the Public Service Commission should be supporting participation in events that promote and celebrate te reo Māori, not discouraging it. The Commissioner needs to urgently with the guidance to ensure that it does not have a chilling effect on the promotion of te reo Māori in the public service,” said McDonald.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.