**Controversy arises as lawmakers express differing views on the incorporation of Aotearoa, the Māori name for New Zealand, within parliamentary proceedings.**
**Debate Intensifies Over Use of Māori Name Aotearoa in New Zealand Parliament**
**Debate Intensifies Over Use of Māori Name Aotearoa in New Zealand Parliament**
**Speaker Brownlee Rejects Complaints on Aotearoa Usage Amidst Tensions with MPs**
MPs in New Zealand's Parliament are free to use English, Māori, or New Zealand sign language in proceedings, and Speaker Gerry Brownlee has firmly informed lawmakers that he will not entertain more grievances regarding the use of Aotearoa, the Māori name for New Zealand. This declaration follows Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters’ request to prohibit the usage of Aotearoa in Parliament and demand a nationwide referendum for its employment.
While New Zealand is legally recognized as the nation’s name, Aotearoa, translating to "land of the long white cloud," has been historically included across various platforms, including passports and currency. Brownlee noted on Tuesday that the name appears in the Māori version of New Zealand’s national anthem, reinforcing its acceptance.
"I encourage members to use Aotearoa New Zealand to mitigate confusion," Brownlee suggested, although he indicated it is not mandatory. Peters' discontent surfaced after Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March utilized Aotearoa in a parliamentary debate, raising concerns of an immigrant altering New Zealand's name without public approval.
Further complicating the issue, fellow member Shane Jones voiced his concern regarding the appropriateness of immigrants dictating Māori nomenclature. While there is no universal consensus among Māori regarding Aotearoa's significance, it is often embraced by non-Māori as a sign of respect toward indigenous populations.
Peters reiterated his disagreement with Brownlee's stance, emphasizing that his objection is solely with Aotearoa’s parliamentary use. He declared that he might abstain from answering questions employing the name in future sessions.
The usage of Māori has indeed surged in New Zealand over the years, propelled by advocacy from Māori leaders. In a notable movement, the Māori Party gathered over 70,000 signatures on a petition in 2022, seeking an official name change to Aotearoa.
Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi has criticized the current name, asserting its foreign roots and questioning the relevance of "old" Zealand to the land they inhabit. Since the current government's induction in 2023, there has been a mandate for government offices to prioritize English, unless referring explicitly to Māori. Meanwhile, the Act party’s initiative to revise the Treaty of Waitangi language has sparked intense discussions around New Zealand's historical roots and identity.
While New Zealand is legally recognized as the nation’s name, Aotearoa, translating to "land of the long white cloud," has been historically included across various platforms, including passports and currency. Brownlee noted on Tuesday that the name appears in the Māori version of New Zealand’s national anthem, reinforcing its acceptance.
"I encourage members to use Aotearoa New Zealand to mitigate confusion," Brownlee suggested, although he indicated it is not mandatory. Peters' discontent surfaced after Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March utilized Aotearoa in a parliamentary debate, raising concerns of an immigrant altering New Zealand's name without public approval.
Further complicating the issue, fellow member Shane Jones voiced his concern regarding the appropriateness of immigrants dictating Māori nomenclature. While there is no universal consensus among Māori regarding Aotearoa's significance, it is often embraced by non-Māori as a sign of respect toward indigenous populations.
Peters reiterated his disagreement with Brownlee's stance, emphasizing that his objection is solely with Aotearoa’s parliamentary use. He declared that he might abstain from answering questions employing the name in future sessions.
The usage of Māori has indeed surged in New Zealand over the years, propelled by advocacy from Māori leaders. In a notable movement, the Māori Party gathered over 70,000 signatures on a petition in 2022, seeking an official name change to Aotearoa.
Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi has criticized the current name, asserting its foreign roots and questioning the relevance of "old" Zealand to the land they inhabit. Since the current government's induction in 2023, there has been a mandate for government offices to prioritize English, unless referring explicitly to Māori. Meanwhile, the Act party’s initiative to revise the Treaty of Waitangi language has sparked intense discussions around New Zealand's historical roots and identity.
