The speaker of New Zealand's parliament, Gerry Brownlee, has instructed lawmakers to refrain from complaints regarding the use of the Maori name Aotearoa after the deputy prime minister expressed strong objections. Brownlee affirmed that while New Zealand is the official name, Aotearoa is widely used, particularly on currency. He emphasized lawmakers' rights to speak in English, Maori, or sign language. This ruling follows a controversial remark from Winston Peters, who questioned a Green MP's use of the Maori name, sparking critiques of xenophobia and reflecting ongoing tensions between the government and the Indigenous Maori population.
The speaker of New Zealand's parliament, Gerry Brownlee, emphasized that while New Zealand is the official name, the Maori name Aotearoa is widely accepted, including on currency.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters questioned why a recent immigrant would use the name Aotearoa, suggesting it was unauthorized and lacked public approval, which sparked accusations of xenophobia.
Brownlee ruled that lawmakers could speak in English, Maori, or New Zealand Sign Language, stating that objections to such words should not raise further points of order.
Menendez March, the Green MP who used Aotearoa, called Peters' comments xenophobic, highlighting the broader context of tension between the government and the Indigenous population.
Collection
[
|
...
]