Māori Language Commission Chair reflects on the resilience of Te Reo Māori

Following the passage of the English Language Bill in Parliament last week, Professor Rawinia Higgins, the chair of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission), has highlighted the unique resilience and history of te reo Māori. On Tuesday, 5 August 2026, Professor Higgins told RNZ that while English has now been formally recognised as an official language alongside New Zealand Sign Language and te reo Māori, the three have had vastly different paths toward recognition. Professor Higgins used a sporting analogy to describe the situation, stating that English functioned like an athlete who did not have to compete to qualify for a team. In contrast, she noted that te reo Māori has faced significant challenges and generations of suppression. She grounded her perspective in the history of government policies, such as the Education Ordinance Act of 1847 and the Native Schools Act of 1867, which prioritised English and led to the punishment of Māori children for speaking their native tongue in schools. Despite this history, Professor Higgins noted the strength of the movements that fought to reclaim the language. She cited the 1972 Māori language petition as a pivotal moment led by a generation of young Māori who were determined to reverse the loss caused by urban migration and previous assimilation policies. This legacy of advocacy continues to shape attitudes toward the language today. Looking forward, Professor Higgins expressed hope that the new legislation would uphold its promise to protect the existing status of te reo Māori. She stated that she is holding on to the specific phrasing in the bill which ensures that the formal recognition of English will not diminish the support or use of New Zealand’s Indigenous language. Her focus remains on ensuring that te reo Māori continues to receive the necessary support to thrive in Aotearoa society.