New Zealand legislation making English an official language ridiculed as ‘pathetic’
Summary
New Zealand’s parliament passed a law making English an official language alongside Māori and New Zealand sign language. The bill, supported by the coalition government, has faced criticism from experts and some politicians who say it is unnecessary because English is already the dominant language.Key Facts
- The law giving English official status in New Zealand became effective on 30 July.
- English is spoken by about 95% of New Zealand’s population.
- The bill was part of a political agreement between the National party and New Zealand First party.
- Experts and the Ministry of Justice advised against the bill, saying English does not need protection like Māori and sign language do.
- The Green party and Māori-focused Te Pāti Māori opposed the bill, while Labour supported it to avoid cultural conflict.
- Māori MP Tamatha Paul called the bill "pathetic" during parliamentary debate.
- Linguists and legal experts said the law does nothing practical since English is already the dominant and unthreatened language.
- The bill does not give English special priority in government communications over the other official languages.
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