When the Maori Language Act 1987 was passed, it meant that Te Reo Maori became an official language of New Zealand, I welcome that, but I also welcome choice.
I have taken regular classes in Te Reo and I quite genuinely enjoy the language. My ability does not match my enthusiasm, but nonetheless, I think it is important to at the very least pronounce Maori place names correctly.
I’m not entirely sure that New Zealand will ever become fully bilingual, however those who wish to learn the language and speak it regularly should do so, and it should be no business of anyone else, as that is their choice.
Maori language has a significant and considerable place in our history and our future, there is a certain uniqueness and it is something that should be treasured. However, we cannot force a language on people for the sake of political correctness. It should be learnt because people want to learn it.
In the last year, this Government has sought to make a lot of changes in how the Crown deals with the Treaty and also with Maori more generally. Unfortunately, a lot of this was done in secret and without proper robust consultation.
The He Puapua document is clearly a plan that abandons universal suffrage in favour of giving Maori disproportionate legislative power and gifting assets such Three Waters to Iwi. This will divide New Zealand, rather than bring us together. I urge New Zealanders to do their own research on He Puapua as it has huge implications for us all.
I note that Te Paati Maori have recently put forward a petition to change the name of New Zealand to Aotearoa and change various place names to their Maori name. Regardless of where politicians stand, significant changes such as this must be put in the hands of the people.
Te Paati Maori also don’t believe a referendum would suit their agenda, and I must remind them that it may be inconvenient for Te Paati Maori, but we live in a democracy. Changes such as the name of our country are decisions for the people. To not have confidence in the will of the people, says a lot about those proposing such a change.
Te Reo is unique to New Zealand, there is no doubt about it, and its usage has increased significantly over the last 10 years. But ultimately the choice must be for the individual.
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