Maori textbook out of print

Press, 24 April 1984, Page 5

Maori textbook out of print

PA Auckland The Citizens’ Association for Racial Equality is concerned that the basic sixth form Maori language textbook, “Te Reo Rangitira,” has been out of print since October.

C.A.R.E.’s vice-president, Mr Tom Newnham, said the group recently received a complaint from the parent of an Auckland student who had been without the textbook all year. The parent, who did not wish to be named, had been told by the Government Printer that the book was out of print, and that no decision had been made to reprint it. “He rang shops all over the country, and finally dredged up a copy in Timaru,” said Mr Newnham. C.A.R.E. has written to the Government Printer asking for “a clear state-

ment of intentions with regard to the essential Maori text.”

The Education Department’s director of Maori and Island education, Mr Wiremu Kaa, said he was not aware of any shortages, but the Deputy Government Printer, Mr Rex Ward, said he believed some schools were borrowing the textbook from other schools. The School Publications education officer, Mr Michael Keith, said from Wellington the department had received one complaint about the non-availability of the textbook. He said the Government Printer’s office notified School Publications in February that it wished to reprint the book. Negotiations were taking place, and new copies would be available in three to four months.