The Maori Language Commission - Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Maori - says its new research centre will quantify exactly how much Te Reo Rangatira contributes to the economy.
He Puna Whakarauora aims to find out how to protect the language and direct resources where they're needed most.
Commission chair Erima Henare says the new organisation is being run by three people, including head Glenis Philip-Barbara, and their job is to underline the value of Te Reo.
Mr Henare says New Zealand is the home of the Maori language, and a major component of research will be to discover how it is viewed worldwide.
He says funding from last year's Budget has been set aside for He Puna Whakarauora for four years.
