Parliamentary debate highlights te reo Māori status as English gains official recognition

On Thursday, 30 July 2026, the English Language Bill passed its third and final reading at Parliament, formally recognising English as an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand alongside te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. While the legislation establishes a statutory basis for English, the parliamentary debate served as a significant platform for MPs to champion the enduring clinical and cultural status of the Māori language. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, the bill’s sponsor, noted in the legislation that English has long functioned as a de facto official language. New Zealand First MP Casey Costello, who spoke during the reading, emphasised that the new bill provides legal clarity without altering any existing protections for te reo Māori. She described the move as a practical measure to align the statute books with long-standing practice. Opposition members utilized the debate to highlight the profound journey of te reo Māori in reaching its current status. Green Party MP Tamatha Paul spoke of the resilience required for Māori to see their indigenous first language recognised, noting the historical efforts of those who marched on Parliament to ensure its survival. Paul compared the Aotearoa context to her recent visit to Wales, noting how the visibility of the indigenous Cymraeg language enhances a nation's identity. Te Pāti Māori MP Oriini Kaipara, speaking in te reo Māori, addressed the house regarding the "pain Māori has taken to establish its space in this country." Her contribution reinforced the distinctiveness of the Māori language’s journey to official status compared to English. Despite differing views on the necessity of the bill, the proceedings concluded with a wider acknowledgment of the diverse linguistic landscape that defines the nation, with Labour ultimately supporting the bill through the House.