New Zealand coalition votes to make English an official language as critics slam cynical' bill

"English had never been deemed official and the bill would correct that anomaly. He argued the use of Maori in public services was causing confusion. This bill won't solve the push of this virtue signalling narrative completely, Peters said. But it is the first step towards ensuring logic and common sense prevails when the vast majority of New Zealanders communicate in English."

"The bill seeks to give English, which is spoken by 95% of the country, the same official status as te reo Maori (Maori language) and New Zealand sign language. The bill said the status and use of the existing official languages would not be affected."

"A bill to recognise English as an official language of New Zealand has cleared its first hurdle in parliament amid ridicule from opposition parties and linguists who say it is unnecessary and cynical."

New Zealand's coalition government advanced legislation to grant English official language status alongside te reo Maori and New Zealand sign language. English is spoken by 95% of the population. The bill passed its first reading in parliament on March 3, moving to select committee for public consultation. Opposition parties and linguists criticized the measure as unnecessary and cynical. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters argued English lacked official recognition and claimed Maori language use in public services caused confusion. Peters, himself Maori, has consistently opposed affirmative initiatives for Maori advancement. The National Party supports the bill as part of their coalition agreement, though it is not a priority. The legislation is likely to become law.

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