Make English an Official Language of New Zealand

Most New Zealanders cannot believe that English is not currently an official legal language of New Zealand. In fact, Maori and Sign Language are the only official languages in this country.

It is essential that the language spoken by 96% of the people is recognised as an official language for use in all official papers and general communication.

The use of English gives International advantages in terms of trade, tourism, economic activity, education and communication on the world stage.

As a non-official language, English is losing much of its status. All Council papers and most government communications are now frequently headed in Maori then with an  English translation or none at all! 

We call on all New Zealanders to ensure that English takes it place alongside Maori and Sign Language as an official language in this country

Background: NZ has long been known as the place where the purest English is spoken outside Great Britain. This gives NZ huge advantages.

While Bilingualism is commendable and the ability to speak both languages advantageous, currently Maori words and phrases are being inserted untranslated indiscriminately in English sentences and contexts- letters with Nga mihi at the end, Newspapers inserting Maori words  untranslated, TV announcements and greetings solely in Maori, bank advertisements “For you Tamariki” and even government papers are using a mishmash of Maori words untranslated  in amongst the English with assumptions everyone knows the meaning. This is aggravated by the fact many so called Maori words are transliterations of  the original English. In time this will lead NZ to have an incomprehensible mixed language -a Pidgin  English (linguistic definition)  to NZ’s detriment unless English has full legal recognition in this country.

Please sign this petition and get English recognised as an Official Language  of New Zealand