An Anglican priest translating a contemporary Maori version of the Bible says he would happily devote the rest of his life to the translation if it took that long.

The present Maori version of the Bible dates back to 1952. Many regard it as a poetic and well-written piece of work but believe it is time for a contemporary version that young people can relate to more easily.

English versions of the Bible are issued at least once every couple of years, according to the Bible Society.

The new Maori Bible would be translated from the original biblical languages, without the medium of English as far as possible.

The Rev Don Tamihere, 38, of Gisborne, who has two degrees in biblical languages, said the subject had been a passion of his since he was a teenager and he was happy to devote his life to the translation. "I'll be doing this until I leave the face of this Earth."

A committee of representatives from all Maori Christian denominations, as well as language and translation experts, hope to begin work on the translation in the next year. Their work will be co-ordinated within a 13-year framework by Bible Society engagement advocate Stephen Opie.

Mr Tamihere, who is the committee chairman, said the new translation could also act as a powerful tool to help people learn te reo.

"The last translation is still much loved but since then there has been a lot of growth and change. We are not looking to replace it but it is time to do something new."

The Rev Dennis Patuwairua, of Otaki's Rangiatea Church, said there were something like 1600 mistakes in the 1952 version.

"I am always looking at how we can teach the language and many can relate to the similarities in the studies of the Bible and Maori myths and legends. Our church alone would buy 20 or 30 Bibles and I think they would sell quickly."

The Bible Society sells and gives away hundreds of copies of the Maori Bible each year.

The new Maori translation will be based more on translating concept-for-concept rather than word-for-word. This is an example of the form the new version could take once completed:

Genesis 1 (King James version)

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Kenehi 1 (1952 Maori translation)

1 He mea hanga na te Atua i te timatanga te rangi me te whenua.

2 A kahore he ahua o te whenua, i takoto kau; he pouri ano a runga i te mata o te hohonu. Na ka whakapaho te Wairua o te Atua i runga i te kare o nga wai.

Kenehi 1 (New translation by Mr Tamihere)

1 I te timatanga, ka hanga e te Atua ko te rangi me te whenua.

2 Ka noho te ao i roto i Te Kore me Te Po, a, ka noho hoki te pouri i runga i te mata o te hohonu. Na, ka tionioni te Wairua a te Atua kei runga i te kare o nga wai.