Public Service Association challenges guidance on Māori language parade attendance

The Public Service Association (PSA) has called on Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche to withdraw recent guidance that discourages public servants from attending the annual Te Wiki o te Reo Māori parade during work hours. The union warns that such guidance could create a ‘chilling effect’ on efforts to protect and promote the Māori language.

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission) has also addressed the debate, clarifying that participation in the parade is a cultural and civic activity rather than a political one. Professor Rawinia Higgins, Toihau of Te Taura Whiri, met with the Public Service Commission to discuss the advice, expressing concern that the guidance might unintentionally discourage staff from supporting language revitalisation.

The PSA argues that attending the event is consistent with the Public Service Act and the Crown’s commitment under Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016 to partner with Māori to protect the language. The union further noted that the guidance appears to disregard findings from the Waitangi Tribunal regarding the Crown’s obligation to redress the vulnerable state of te reo Māori and upskill the public service.