what is the official language in new zealand?

Question

Wikipedia says there are 3 official languages (English, Māori, NZ Sign Language), britannica says there are 2 (English; Maori). I am wondering what exactly says the law about official languages in NZ, and which is that law (I didn't find any legal text about this on internet)

Answer 1

Wikipedia is correct.



Until 1987, English was the sole official language; in that year Maori was added and then on 10th April 2006, the New Zealand Sign Language Act was given the Royal Assent by the Governor-General and became official legislation.



I imagine any discrepancies in your research information are due to the fact that NZSL has only recently been added and some reference sites have yet to be updated.



Additional comments:



To the best of my knowledge, and I am willing to be corrected, English has never been 'ratified' as an official language of New Zealand through specific legislation (I believe it is the same for both the Federal government of the USA and the United Kingdom - neither of whom has enacted legislation to make English their official language). The universal acceptance of English as the official language in New Zealand has made this step unnecessary. On the other hand, both Maori and NZSL were legislated as officlal languages because their universal acceptance was and still is in doubt without such legislation.

Answer 2

English

Answer 3

English

Answer 4

English and Maori are the offical languages in New Zealand. Everybody speaks English and Maori's speak both.



Because of the treaty that was signed the offical language is considered both English and Maori.

Answer 5

English & Maori

Answer 6

When I was there, it was pretty much English. The Maori are the native people of NZ and their culture and language are still around, though the majority of the population cannot speak it.

Answer 7

english

Answer 8

Are you fopr real deal?...LMAO! what are we supposed to be grass skirts or sumting? Im a kiwi!!! and we speak english, Im Maori (native NZ born) and I can speak Maori as well but we ALL SPEAK ENGLISH! ...lol

Answer 9

New Zealandinian.

Answer 10

ENGLISH!!!!!!

Answer 11

english...:)