The government has introduced a bill to make English an official language, to ridicule from the opposition, and a fierce defence from Winston Peters.
The legislation would see English be recognised as an official language alongside Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.
Just two pages long, the legislation states that English has long been a de facto official language, but not set out in legislation.
The bill is in the name of the Justice Minister, Paul Goldsmith, who was reluctant to sing its praises.
“It’s something that was in the coalition. It wouldn’t be the top priority for us, absolutely not. But it’s something in the coalition and it’s getting done.”
“It wouldn’t be the top priority for us, absolutely not.” No, it wouldn’t be a priority for National because it just might upset Maori leaders! Right Paul?
Not surprisingly, Goldsmith did not speak at the bills first reading.
Labour MP Duncan Webb opened his speech on the bill with – “Ngā mihi, great to be here in Aotearoa today.”
Just to wind up Winston, no doubt!
And, of course, Chloe being Chloe chimed in with – “The government wants us distracted while the country experienced severe weather events, and unemployment was as high as it had been in a decade.” “They want us divided, and they want regular people exhausted, fighting amongst themselves.”
“Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language had to be fought for while English was “literally beaten” into people!
But we are not allowed to fight for English, is that it Chloe?
Her coup de gras – “In plain English, for all members of this government, this bill is bullsh*t, and you know it.”
The below was sent to me, author unknown –
There’s something revealing about the meltdown over Winston Peters’ English Language Bill.
Put the pitchforks down.
No one is banning te reo Māori.
No one is scrapping bilingual signs.
No one is rolling back language revitalisation.
All Peters is doing is saying this: English should be formally recognised in law as an official language of New Zealand.
That’s it.
And yet Chlöe Swarbrick calls it “bullsh*t.” The Greens react like he’s declared cultural war.
Why?
English is the language our laws are written in.
It’s the language judges deliver verdicts in.
It’s how Parliament operates.
It’s how most Kiwis speak at home and at work.
Recognising that reality isn’t oppression. It’s honesty.
Here’s the truth: this isn’t really about language. It’s about politics.
For a lot of New Zealanders, rightly or wrongly, there’s a feeling that English is being sidelined in official spaces. They see government departments using Māori names exclusively. They hear more te reo without translation. They feel the pace of change is fast.
Now, let’s be clear: te reo does not dominate daily life. It never has. It’s a handful of words, signage, greetings.
But perception drives politics.
Peters understands that. He’s delivering on a coalition agreement promise that’s been sitting there for two years. He’s signalling to his voters: English matters too.
And when the Greens explode in outrage, it proves his point for him.
Most Kiwis are sitting there thinking: why is this controversial?
We are an English-speaking Western democracy. That doesn’t erase Māori culture. It doesn’t threaten te reo. Both can coexist. They already do.
The real debate should be about fairness in policy, cost of living, healthcare, crime. Not whether acknowledging English in law is somehow an attack on identity.
If you think the bill is unnecessary, fine. Argue that.
But acting like it’s cultural sabotage? That’s theatre.
And every time the reaction looks hysterical, Peters gets stronger.
Pee Kay writes he is from a generation where common sense, standards, integrity and honesty are fundamental attributes. This article was first published HERE
“It’s something that was in the coalition. It wouldn’t be the top priority for us, absolutely not. But it’s something in the coalition and it’s getting done.”
“It wouldn’t be the top priority for us, absolutely not.” No, it wouldn’t be a priority for National because it just might upset Maori leaders! Right Paul?
Not surprisingly, Goldsmith did not speak at the bills first reading.
Labour MP Duncan Webb opened his speech on the bill with – “Ngā mihi, great to be here in Aotearoa today.”
Just to wind up Winston, no doubt!
And, of course, Chloe being Chloe chimed in with – “The government wants us distracted while the country experienced severe weather events, and unemployment was as high as it had been in a decade.” “They want us divided, and they want regular people exhausted, fighting amongst themselves.”
“Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language had to be fought for while English was “literally beaten” into people!
But we are not allowed to fight for English, is that it Chloe?
Her coup de gras – “In plain English, for all members of this government, this bill is bullsh*t, and you know it.”
The below was sent to me, author unknown –
There’s something revealing about the meltdown over Winston Peters’ English Language Bill.
Put the pitchforks down.
No one is banning te reo Māori.
No one is scrapping bilingual signs.
No one is rolling back language revitalisation.
All Peters is doing is saying this: English should be formally recognised in law as an official language of New Zealand.
That’s it.
And yet Chlöe Swarbrick calls it “bullsh*t.” The Greens react like he’s declared cultural war.
Why?
English is the language our laws are written in.
It’s the language judges deliver verdicts in.
It’s how Parliament operates.
It’s how most Kiwis speak at home and at work.
Recognising that reality isn’t oppression. It’s honesty.
Here’s the truth: this isn’t really about language. It’s about politics.
For a lot of New Zealanders, rightly or wrongly, there’s a feeling that English is being sidelined in official spaces. They see government departments using Māori names exclusively. They hear more te reo without translation. They feel the pace of change is fast.
Now, let’s be clear: te reo does not dominate daily life. It never has. It’s a handful of words, signage, greetings.
But perception drives politics.
Peters understands that. He’s delivering on a coalition agreement promise that’s been sitting there for two years. He’s signalling to his voters: English matters too.
And when the Greens explode in outrage, it proves his point for him.
Most Kiwis are sitting there thinking: why is this controversial?
We are an English-speaking Western democracy. That doesn’t erase Māori culture. It doesn’t threaten te reo. Both can coexist. They already do.
The real debate should be about fairness in policy, cost of living, healthcare, crime. Not whether acknowledging English in law is somehow an attack on identity.
If you think the bill is unnecessary, fine. Argue that.
But acting like it’s cultural sabotage? That’s theatre.
And every time the reaction looks hysterical, Peters gets stronger.
Pee Kay writes he is from a generation where common sense, standards, integrity and honesty are fundamental attributes. This article was first published HERE
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