Waikato-Tainui is adding its voice to the debate over the government's proposed Maori language entity.
Some Maori political candidates are making the future of the language one of their main campaign issues, and it has also been a talking point for tribal groups, including the Maori Council.
Waikato Tainui executive chair Rahui Papa said Te Mataawai handed back the responsibility of Te Reo to Maori to tangata whenua.
He supported the idea, as long as the Government remained accountable. It also gave the iwi a say regarding Maori language organisations Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Maori, Te Mangai Paho and Maori Television, Mr Papa said.
The tribe wanted the language to stay on the political radar, he said.
