Job losses over language requirement

The two staff were let go because they could not speak Te Reo. Photo / Supplied

Two Maori Television receptionists will have to prove they are fluent in Te Reo Maori to keep their jobs.

But management may not be held to the same standards, with "public-facing" positions subject to higher language requirements, the broadcaster says.

Maori Television chief executive Paora Maxwell initially told the Herald the two receptionists roles had been disestablished but would not say if those affected would be offered any other positions or given an opportunity to learn Maori.

"Due to ongoing employment matters, Maori Television is unable to comment at this time on whether they were offered any other position," Mr Maxwell said.

"There has been an increase in language competency requirements for the two roles."

However, a spokeswoman later said the roles had not been disestablished.

While the two receptionists had "some fluency", te reo requirements had been upped as part of a restructuring and the two workers could reapply for the roles.

Mr Maxwell said the move was part of the station's "aspirational goal" of having a bilingual workforce by 2020.

The Human Rights Commission said it was aware of the matter but could not say whether there was any breach to the Human Rights Act.

A spokeswoman said: "If we were to receive a complaint we would consider it in accordance with our usual processes to see if it raises issues in relations to the Human Rights Act."

Mr Maxwell said a new requirement for the receptionist positions - which are being advertised - was the ability to speak te reo and English fluently.

"As part of ongoing work to connect role outcomes to vision, the Finance and Administration team is undergoing some structural changes," said Mr Maxwell.

"Part of this change will see a requirement for the two receptionist roles, which are one of our most important public-facing positions, to be fluent in both te reo Maori and English," he said.

Mr Maxwell said this was a reflection of Maori Television's commitment to increasing the status and visibility of te reo Maori.

Asked if all staff and management at the station can speak Maori, Mr Maxwell said said language requirements varied from role to role.

"Public-facing roles, such as those on reception and reporters, had a higher Maori language requirement."

Claire English, senior associate and employment specialist at law firm ChenPalmer said explanations were "disappointing from a good faith perspective".

"My first thought was that it sounded like a sham redundancy or a redundancy for non-genuine motives," Ms English said.

"The whole idea that the requirements of the job hasn't changed, but somebody had tagged on the requirement that these people speak Maori or have a certain level of fluency.

"Presumably the employer already knows the level of fluency that their staff have, so it did feel like they were fishing for something that they knew already wasn't there."

The station is advertising for a senior receptionist and a part-time receptionist with "top level ability of fluency in te reo Maori as well as top level English skills".

Responsibilities for the positions include front of house "meet and greet" and welcoming of visitors and callers "appropriately".

"As well as this a good understanding of tikanga Maori is also required".