# New Zealand law making English an official language ridiculed as ‘pathetic’

https://mins.news/en/item/12208

- The Guardian, 2026-08-03 04:06 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/03/new-zealand-english-an-official-language-bill

> New Zealand’s parliament has passed legislation recognising English as an official language, drawing ridicule from linguists and legal experts. A Māori MP’s description of the measure as “pathetic” has also gone viral. The law took effect on 30 July, placing English on the same official footing as te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. Critics say the change is pointless because English is already spoken by 95% of the country.