Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples is trying to break the law in his proposals to revive Te Reo Maori, the Maori Council says.
The final consultation hui for the draft Te Reo strategy was held on Friday.
It proposes to reduce the authority of the Maori Language Commission and give iwi leaders greater governance and responsibility over Maori language revival.
But Maori Council co-chair Maanu Paul said the commission was established as a result of hard fought Treaty of Waitangi settlements reached by previous governments and the Maori Council.
The council was concerned Dr Sharples was trying to overthrow the settlement, and believed devolving the commission's role was unlawful.
The move was all part of the Maori Party's policy to give power to the iwi leaders' group, Mr Paul said.
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples has irked the Maori Council. Photo: RNZ
