In a recent parliamentary ruling, Speaker Gerry Brownlee reinforced the accepted use of Aotearoa, the Māori name for New Zealand, amid complaints from Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. The ruling affirms that MPs may use any of the country's three official languages in parliament, while debates on the name continue to resonate across political lines.
New Zealand Parliament Speaker Defends Use of Māori Name Amid Controversy
New Zealand Parliament Speaker Defends Use of Māori Name Amid Controversy
MPs are told they can freely use Aotearoa, the Māori name for New Zealand, despite objections from some lawmakers.
New Zealand’s Speaker of the House, Gerry Brownlee, has reaffirmed that members of parliament are permitted to use the Māori name Aotearoa when referring to the country, despite recent objections from some lawmakers. Peters had requested the Speaker to prohibit the use of Aotearoa, claiming acceptance of it contradicted public consensus and should be subject to a referendum.
The speaker's declaration comes after Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters raised concerns following the use of Aotearoa by Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March during a parliamentary session. Peters questioned the legitimacy of a newer citizen's ability to redefine the country’s name with no direct mandate from the electorate.
While New Zealand serves as the official name of the country, reduced awareness of Aotearoa’s significance persists among some MPs, including Peters and his party colleague, Shane Jones. Both expressed apprehensions regarding how the inclusion of the name might influence national identity and historical recognition, especially given its historical context tied more closely to New Zealand's North Island.
During the parliamentary discussion, Speaker Brownlee emphasized that Aotearoa is officially recognized, appearing on national symbols such as passports and currency, and is also a part of the Māori rendition of the national anthem. He stated that members of parliament are free to use any of the country’s three official languages—English, Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language—thus ensuring that discussions could encompass diverse cultural expressions.
Peters has maintained that his opposition is specific to the usage of Aotearoa in legislative sessions, reiterating that he would abstain from responding to any queries posed using the name. Advocates for the Māori cause continue to press for the official adoption of Aotearoa, with significant public support noted for a petition launched by the Māori Party in 2022 to change the country’s name legally, reflecting a growing trend towards affirming Māori heritage.
The administration elected in 2023 has emphasized English in government communications while acknowledging the importance of Māori language and culture. Controversies linger surrounding the Treaty of Waitangi’s interpretation, with the Act party advocating for a redefinition that has drawn strong rebuttals from different sectors of society.
PM Chris Hipkins has commented on the significance of ongoing dialogues about the Māori name but reinforces the need for cooperation and understanding in these discussions. The discourse around Aotearoa portrays the complexities of New Zealand's national identity as it navigates its historical ties, immigrant narratives, and indigenous rights.
