The Māori Language Act 2016 (No 17) () is an act which relates to the revitalisation of the Māori language.
Drafting.
In designing the legislation, the government looked at evidence provided by Te Paepae Motuhake, Waitangi Tribunal and others.
Provisions.
The act established Te Mātāwai, an organisation of iwi, urban and Crown representatives. Te Mātāwai works with the government under the public policy framework Te Whare o te reo Mauriora.
The status of the Māori language as a "taonga" () was reaffirmed by the legislation. The legislation also placed an obligation on the government to protect the Māori language.
The legislation allows for the use of the Māori language lawyers, judges and witnesses in court.
Criticism.
Northland iwi Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia, Te Poari o Ngātiwai, Te Rūnanga a Iwi o Ngāpuhi, Te Reo Ngāti Hine filed a judicial review, criticising Māori language being "inconsequential" in the country's courts.