In the face of the real threat of a tsunami and more severe earthquakes after the 8,1 Kermadec earthquake and 7,4 earthquake off the coast of Gisborne, at the official press conference,  the Minister in charge made a lengthy announcement  on the situation in Maori on behalf of the government, leaving the majority of the population  unable to understand the important message. While the Minister continued to deliver further information in English, this, once more,has shown the importance of making English an official language.

The rapidity with which Maori is replacing English in official signs,and headings, in official papers and announcements  gives weight to our plea to make English an official language in this country,