Te Mātāwai is an independent entity set up under Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Act), which aims to promote the use of te reo in homes and the community.

It is led by iwi and the Māori community, but has ties to the Crown, with two of its 13 board members appointed by the Māori Development minister - the rest are appointed by iwi and Māori language stakeholder organisations.