- New Zealand MPs have voted to protect the English language by passing a new bill to make it one of the country’s official languages.
- The English Language Bill states that adding English as an official language will not require any new legislation, serving as symbolic.
- 101 votes were cast in favor of the bill, with only the Green Party, the Māori Party, and two independent candidates opposing it.
- The decision to make English an official language has divided the nation, with critics arguing it undermines the status of Māori.
- Tamatha Paul, a member of New Zealand’s left-wing opposition Green Party, lamented English as a 'b*d language' during the debate.
- More than 95 percent of New Zealand’s population speaks English, while only 4.3 percent speak Māori.
- Māori was the main language spoken in New Zealand before the country became a British colony in 1840.
- Te Reo Māori was declared an official language in 1987 following decades of activism.
- Critics argue that placing English on the same legal pedestal as Te Reo Māori creates a false equivalence.
New Zealand's parliament has officially recognized English as a third language, alongside Māori and New Zealand Sign Language, following a vote that saw 101 MPs in favor and only 20 against.7
The English Language Bill, driven by the New Zealand First party, aims to symbolize the status of English, which is spoken by over 95% of the population.2
However, the decision has ignited fierce debate, with critics like Tamatha Paul of the Green Party calling English a "bastard language" and arguing that the bill undermines Māori language rights.5
Paul stated, "We had to march our asses to parliament demanding that the indigenous first language of this country be recognised and not beaten out of the mouths of its native speakers."
Despite the overwhelming support, a report indicated that two-thirds of 1,601 submissions opposed the bill, citing concerns over resource allocation and societal division.
Critics argue that the legislation creates a false equivalence between English and Māori, with the latter requiring state support to survive.
NZ First MP Casey Costello defended the bill, asserting it aligns with democratic promises and preserves existing protections for Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.
Political analysts suggest Labour's support was a strategic move to avoid a prolonged political debate, but it has drawn backlash from its progressive wing and Māori constituents, who view it as a failure to uphold principles.
The passage of the bill raises significant questions about the future of language rights and the relationship between the Crown and Māori under the Treaty of Waitangi.
“MPs passed the bill 101–20, but Labour's pragmatic 'yes' has sparked backlash from its progressive wing and Maori constituency. Critics called the law an 'unnecessary culture war distraction' and a 'waste of parliamentary time,' while government advisers cited 'zero evidence' it was necessary.”
GB News
Firstpost
