World · 31 July 2026
New Zealand Parliament legally recognises English as official language
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The English Language Bill successfully navigated its ultimate parliamentary vote, formally establishing English as an official language in addition to Te Reo Māori and sign language. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith's two-page bill aims to clarify English's status, which has long been widely used but not legally recognised. Opposition parties questioned the bill's purpose, arguing English is already the main language and no need for protection.
Reported by rnz.co.nz · How we write briefs