I doubt that many of the non-Maori MPs would be able to translate correctly the te Reo names of the signage of all government departments without the subsequent English name being given. It
seems completely illogical that te Reo is given precedence over English, when it is spoken fluently by only four per cent of the population against 95 per cent of fluent English speakers. Political tokenism?
Though te Reo is an official language, one may reasonably ask why it has such preference? Would most New Zealanders recognise Manatū Ahu Matua as the Minister of Primary Industries? How would foreign business people cope?
Bryan Johnson, Ōmokoroa.
2 comments
How do Kiwis cope?
Posted on 16-12-2022 10:07 | By KiwiDerek
Just with regard to your final point - "How would foreign business people cope?". It's worth noting that in many other countries they don't speak English, yet New Zealanders seem to cope there...
The word is..........
Posted on 16-12-2022 20:42 | By groutby
....desperation...the current government is so intent and with good reason, to appease the very influential Maori caucus, plain and simple..without this support the government would fold in a heartbeat...they know that and will do anything between now and the election to keep this support going. I'm far from convinced they have the total support from the Greens either, and we can look forward (not) to a very torrid coming year full of yet even more empty promises costing the taxpayer much more than we could ever believe....watch this space and stay alert people!..
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