ACT leader Don Brash says his criticism of plans to make learning the Maori language compulsory for all secondary school teachers is not racist.
Instead he says Associate Education Minister Pita Sharples is being racist and high-handed with plans for compulsory te reo and tikanga learning.
Dr Brash told Waatea News that one of the factors for Maori under-achievement is a lack of competency in English.
He said he fears resources going into teaching te reo and tikanga will be taken away from subjects like English.