English Language Bill
Point of order, Mr Chair. I seek leave for all provisions to be taken as one question.
CHAIRPERSON (Teanau Tuiono): Are there any objections? There is an objection. This is the debate on clause 1, “Title”. The question is that clause 1 stand part.
Thank you, Mr Chair. I stand to take a call on the title of this bill, noting that, if we’re debating this clause by clause, we will be covering the more substantial parts of this bill.
I guess the first question that I have with the title, and the issue I have with this title, is the lack of clarity in terms of the title, because the “English Language Bill” doesn’t really tell us anything—noting that in select committee we discussed and reported that the English language is number one, it is already the lingua franca, it already has majority status, and the fact that it is already considered an official language.
The language itself exists. In fact, we are using it right now. I think the better response for this title over here would be something on the line of “Official Status of English Language” or the “Officiation of English Language Act 2026”—also, it is no longer 2025—because I think it will then provide some clarity of what the intended purpose of this Act is.
Again, the English language is something that is being used right now. There is nothing that the bill would do to introduce the English language, so I just want to check with the Minister regarding clarification of the title.
The bill is declaratory in nature. It simply puts the official status of the English language in legislation, and that is what the title reflects.
A party vote was called for on the question, That clause 1 be agreed to.
Ayes 101
New Zealand National 48; New Zealand Labour 34; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.
Noes 20
Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 14; Te Pāti Māori 4; Ferris; Kapa-Kingi.
Clause 1 agreed to.
Committee of the whole House
Clause 2 Commencement
CHAIRPERSON (Teanau Tuiono): We now come to clause 2. This is the debate on clause 2, “Commencement”. The question is that clause 2 stand part.