In the New Zealand Parliament, Speaker Gerry Brownlee affirmed that the Māori name Aotearoa can continue to be used in debates, despite objections from Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, who argued for a referendum.
MPs Defend Use of Māori Name Aotearoa in New Zealand Parliament
MPs Defend Use of Māori Name Aotearoa in New Zealand Parliament
Gerry Brownlee dismisses complaints as parliament promotes linguistic inclusivity.
Following a recent parliamentary session where the name Aotearoa, meaning "land of the long white cloud," was invoked, Speaker Gerry Brownlee ruled that complaints regarding its use would not be entertained. This decision comes in light of Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters calling for restrictions on Aotearoa's usage and suggesting that a referendum be held to consider its official status. Aotearoa is regularly referenced alongside New Zealand and appears on national passports and currency.
Brownlee highlighted that New Zealand's legal name cannot be changed without legislative action while acknowledging the historical significance of Aotearoa in Māori culture. He emphasized that parliamentarians are free to use any of the country’s three official languages—English, Māori, and New Zealand sign language—when addressing the house.
Peters, expressing his discontent, raised questions about the appropriateness of a member like Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March, who immigrated to New Zealand in 2006, voicing opinions on the country’s naming. Peters insisted that any representation of New Zealand's identity should involve broader public consensus. Fellow party member Shane Jones echoed Peters' sentiment and questioned the authority of newer immigrants in defining Māori heritage.
The ongoing conversation regarding Aotearoa reflects the growing use and recognition of the Māori language across New Zealand. In recent years, advocacy for the indigenous name has surged, with a 2022 petition put forth by the Māori Party pushing for an official name change, which garnered over 70,000 signatures. Despite this, the current government emphasizes the priority of English communication, particularly in state affairs.
The discussion surrounding Aotearoa's usage highlights deeper cultural tensions and differing views on New Zealand's identity and respect for its Māori heritage as lawmakers continue to navigate the balance between tradition and modern governance.
Brownlee highlighted that New Zealand's legal name cannot be changed without legislative action while acknowledging the historical significance of Aotearoa in Māori culture. He emphasized that parliamentarians are free to use any of the country’s three official languages—English, Māori, and New Zealand sign language—when addressing the house.
Peters, expressing his discontent, raised questions about the appropriateness of a member like Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March, who immigrated to New Zealand in 2006, voicing opinions on the country’s naming. Peters insisted that any representation of New Zealand's identity should involve broader public consensus. Fellow party member Shane Jones echoed Peters' sentiment and questioned the authority of newer immigrants in defining Māori heritage.
The ongoing conversation regarding Aotearoa reflects the growing use and recognition of the Māori language across New Zealand. In recent years, advocacy for the indigenous name has surged, with a 2022 petition put forth by the Māori Party pushing for an official name change, which garnered over 70,000 signatures. Despite this, the current government emphasizes the priority of English communication, particularly in state affairs.
The discussion surrounding Aotearoa's usage highlights deeper cultural tensions and differing views on New Zealand's identity and respect for its Māori heritage as lawmakers continue to navigate the balance between tradition and modern governance.
