This page is about a bill. That means that it's not the law yet, but some people want it to be the law. It could change quickly, and some of the information is just a draft.

English Language Bill

4: Act binds the Crown

You could also call this:

"The law applies to the government and its departments"

This proposed law will apply to the Crown. You need to know that the Crown includes the government and its departments. The proposed law will affect how the Crown works.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS1493981.

This page was last updated on 17 February 2026 — View changes

Topics:

Government and voting > Government departments

3: Purpose, or

"Making English an Official Language of New Zealand"

5: English is an official language of New Zealand, or

"English is a special language in New Zealand"

4Act binds the Crown

This Act binds the Crown.