The new agency formed to revitalise the Māori language - Te Mātāwai - has appointed its chair and deputy chair persons.
Waihoroi Shortland Photo: Supplied
Waihoroi Shortland has been appointed as chair and Mereana Selby is to be his deputy.
Mr Shortland is the representative for iwi from the Northland region and Ms Selby, the chief executive of Te Wananga o Raukawa, is the education representative.
The appointments are initially for six months to allow the board to assess the new agency's responsibilities.
Mr Shortland said the hui had laid the foundation for the relationship between Māori and the Crown to work together to strengthen the Māori language.
"Kua takoto te papa, me tīmata ngā mahi - the foundation is down, the work can begin," he said.
"It was an amazing experience to observe the myriad of skill sets Māoridom had assembled at the board table each driven by a passion for Te Reo," he said.