Te Roopu Awhina was formed just over a year ago and was pleased with progress made, its chairman, Stewart Hawkins, said.
The group was instigated after a recognition there was a need for a Maori resource/support group that could advise people and groups on bicultural practices and lobby for change, Mr Hawkins said.
An initial hui was held to discuss the formation of the group and regular hui were now held about every two months.
There were about 20 groups represented in Te Roopu Awhina, including Ministry of Education, district health board, police and social services representatives, midwives and members of Central Otago Reap.
Mr Hawkins said the group was not there to preach or dictate, but rather support and advise those who came to it wanting to know more about bicultural practices.
Several areas in which the needs of the community could be better met had been identified, including promoting the Maori language.
"Language is a priority — so much flows on from that. The basis of any culture is the language."
Elementary Maori language courses were offered in schools and the community but it was hoped advanced courses could also be offered, and Te Roopu Awhina was discussing possibilities with providers, Mr Hawkins said.
The group was also assisting workplaces and schools which wanted to implement more bicultural practices, and advising about things such as Matariki.
He said the group had been well received and was filling a gap.
"One year down the track, what we’re doing shows the group was needed. There was an appetite for it and it’s taking the direction that individuals and groups want. Rather than being tokenistic, people are wanting to implement bicultural practices. They are asking questions about how to do it and we are coming up with solutions."
Mr Hawkins said the low-profile nature of the group was working well, and he expected the passion of its members and positive influence would continue.
• To contact the group email TeRoopuAwhina.
CentralOtago@gmail.compam.jones@odt.co.nz
