New Zealand Parliament Speaker Defends Use of Māori Name 'Aotearoa'

In a recent parliamentary ruling, Speaker Gerry Brownlee emphasized the legitimacy of using the Māori name Aotearoa, as it has become integral to New Zealand's identity. This comes amidst debates sparked by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, who raised concerns over its usage.

In a landmark decision, the Speaker of New Zealand’s Parliament, Gerry Brownlee, has asserted that lawmakers are free to use the name Aotearoa, the Māori designation for New Zealand, during parliamentary proceedings. This ruling follows a call from Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters to restrict the name's usage, suggesting any official changes require a referendum.

Brownlee highlighted the longstanding inclusion of Aotearoa in various national symbols, noting it appears on passports and currency, as well as in the Māori version of the national anthem. He stated, “If other members do not like certain words, they don’t have to use them… but I don’t expect to have further points of order raised about it.”

The debate over Aotearoa's usage was reignited when Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March, a New Zealand citizen originally from Mexico, referred to the country by its Māori name. Peters questioned the legitimacy of his ability to influence the country’s name, raising concerns about recent immigrants dictating Māori identity.

Brownlee encouraged a combined use of “Aotearoa New Zealand” to prevent confusion but underscored the right of MPs to choose from the nation’s three official languages: English, Māori, and New Zealand sign language. The topic underscores the complex relationship between Māori heritage and New Zealand’s colonial past, as Peters, a Māori leader, clarified that his opposition is solely focused on parliamentary usage, not on the recognition of Māori itself.

The rising prominence of Māori language across New Zealand follows increased advocacy for indigenous rights. A petition spearheaded by the Māori Party to officially rename New Zealand to Aotearoa amassed over 70,000 signatures, challenging the relevance of the colonial name.

Meanwhile, current governmental policies have favored English in communications, reflecting the tensions surrounding cultural identity as the Act party proposes revised terms for the Treaty of Waitangi, facing resistance. The discussion continues to shape the narrative of New Zealand’s identity and the role of its indigenous peoples in governance.