General policy statement

This Bill provides for the recognition of the official status of the English language in New Zealand in legislation.

The English language has long been a de facto official language in New Zealand, that is, widely used and accepted as an official language, but its official language status is not set out in legislation. This Bill puts the official status of the English language in legislation.

Legislative recognition of the status of English as an official language will not affect the status or use of te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language as the 2 other official languages of New Zealand.

As the predominant language of New Zealand, English does not require provision to continue to be used in the courts, Parliament, and government communications.

Departmental disclosure statement

The Ministry of Justice is required to prepare a disclosure statement to assist with the scrutiny of this Bill. The disclosure statement provides access to information about the policy development of the Bill and identifies any significant or unusual legislative features of the Bill.

A copy of the statement can be found at http://legislation.govt.nz/disclosure.aspx?type=bill&subtype=government&year=2025&no=198

Clause by clause analysis

Clause 1 is the Title clause.

Clause 2 is the commencement clause. The Bill comes into force on the day after Royal assent.

Clause 3 describes the purpose of the Bill.

Clause 4 provides that the Bill will bind the Crown.

Clause 5 provides that the English language is an official language of New Zealand.