New Zealand First MP Clayton Mitchell has drafted a member’s Bill to make English a recognised official language in New Zealand.
Te Reo was recognised in 1987 and sign language in 2006, but there was no legislation that recognised English, he said.
‘‘It’s common sense to officially recognise the language that the vast majority of New Zealanders use on a daily basis,’’ he said.
‘‘A petition was presented to Parliament last year with 6258 signatures asking for English to be recognised.
‘‘I’ve travelled around the country and everyone I’ve spoken to thinks it’s absurd that this isn’t already the case.’’
Mr Mitchell’s Bill will go into the members’ ballot and will not be debated until it is drawn, if it is drawn.
