To whom it may concern:
I write to strongly oppose the proposed English Language Bill.
This submission argues that the Bill represents a misallocation of public resources, creates unnecessary legislative duplication, and risks undermining the status and revitalisation of te reo Māori, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s official languages and a taonga protected under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
1. A Misuse of Public Funds and Parliamentary Time
At a time when Aotearoa faces significant social, economic, and infrastructural challenges—such as cost of living pressures, housing shortages, and inequities in health and education—the prioritisation of this Bill reflects a concerning misdirection of government attention and taxpayer funding.
English is already the dominant language of public life, governance, commerce, and education in Aotearoa. There is no credible evidence suggesting that its status is under threat or requires legislative reinforcement. As such, this Bill addresses a problem that does not, nor has ever existed.
The financial and administrative costs associated with drafting, debating, implementing, and potentially enforcing such legislation constitute an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.
2. Legislative Redundancy
The Bill appears to duplicate existing realities without adding meaningful value. English already functions as the de facto primary language across all state institutions.
There is no legal or practical barrier to its use that would justify intervention through additional legislation.
In contrast, legislation should be purposeful, addressing genuine gaps or harms within society. This Bill does neither. Instead, it risks cluttering the legal landscape with symbolic measures that lack substantive impact.
3. Undermining Te Reo Māori and Te Tiriti Commitments
Perhaps most concerning is the broader implication this Bill carries for te reo Māori. As an official language and a cornerstone of Māori identity, culture, and worldview, te reo Māori has undergone generations of suppression through colonial policies.
Its revitalisation is a national responsibility and a commitment grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Introducing legislation that elevates English—an already dominant language—risks sending a harmful message:
that Māori language and identity remain secondary.
Even if not explicitly stated, the symbolic weight of such a Bill may contribute to the ongoing marginalisation of te reo Māori and undermine decades of revitalisation efforts.
Rather than reinforcing English, the government should be investing in strengthening bilingualism, normalising te reo Māori in public life, and supporting equitable language outcomes for all citizens.
4. Social and Cultural Implications
Aotearoa is a diverse and evolving nation. Language policy should reflect inclusivity, partnership, and respect for indigenous rights—not reinforce monocultural norms.
This Bill risks narrowing the vision of who we are as a country by privileging one language in a way that excludes or diminishes others. Strong societies are built on recognition, not erasure.
Upholding te reo Māori alongside English is not a threat—it is a strength that enriches national identity and fosters unity through respect.
5. Desired Outcomes
In place of this Bill, I seek the following outcomes:
Withdrawal of the English Language Bill in its entirety, recognising that it is unnecessary and does not serve the public interest.
Reinvestment of public funds into areas of genuine need, including health, housing, education, and social support services.
Strengthened commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring that legislation actively upholds tino rangatiratanga and equitable partnership.
Increased investment in te reo Māori revitalisation, including education, community initiatives, and wider public sector integration.
Promotion of bilingual and multilingual Aotearoa, where te reo Māori is visible, heard, and normalised across all domains of public life.
Policy development grounded in evidence and need, rather than symbolic or politically driven initiatives that risk division.
6. Conclusion
In summary, the English Language Bill is unnecessary, redundant, and potentially harmful.
It represents a poor use of taxpayer money, offers no tangible benefit to the public, and risks undermining the status and revitalisation of te reo Māori.
I urge the government to withdraw this Bill and instead focus on policies that genuinely serve the people of Aotearoa—particularly those that uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support the flourishing of te reo Māori as a living, thriving language.
