The new chairperson of Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori Board has been appointed with Professor Rawinia Higgins set to step into the role.
Professor Rawinia Higgins Photo: YouTube / Victoria University
Rawinia Higgins will be chairperson for the next three years - while Charisma Rangipunga will be the deputy chair of the board.
Minister for Māori Development Nanaia Mahuta said the appointments would be crucial in the ongoing revitalisation of te reo across Aotearoa.
"Te reo Māori is becoming more and more important as a lot more New Zealanders, non-Māori, are speaking te reo because they know it's how they can engage with the Māori economy.
"These appointments are nationally crucial to that process."
Professor Higgins was made the deputy vice chancellor at Victoria University in 2016 and also worked on the review of the Māori Language Bill.