We are profoundly concerned regarding the declining official use of the Māori language, Te Reo Māori. As a fundamental aspect of New Zealand’s cultural heritage and national identity, the preservation and promotion of Te Reo Māori are of paramount importance for fostering social cohesion, celebrating cultural diversity, and honouring the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Despite the recognition of Te Reo Māori as an official language of New Zealand and the enactment of legislation aimed at revitalising and protecting its use, we are witnessing a troubling trend of linguistic decline and marginalisation. The official use of Te Reo Māori in government institutions, public services, education, and media remains limited, hindering its widespread adoption and perpetuating its vulnerability to extinction.

We firmly believe that the official use of Te Reo Māori must be safeguarded and strengthened to ensure its survival for future generations. Therefore, we call upon the New Zealand Government to:

Enforce Existing Legislation: Ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of existing legislation, such as the Māori Language Act of 1987], to promote the official use of Te Reo Māori in government operations, public services, and legal proceedings.

Invest in Language Revitalisation Efforts: Allocate adequate resources and funding towards comprehensive language revitalisation programs, including Māori language immersion schools, teacher training initiatives, community language initiatives, and digital language resources, to enhance proficiency and fluency in Te Reo Māori across all sectors of society.

Promote Bilingualism and Multiculturalism: Encourage the adoption of bilingual policies and practices in government institutions, public signage, educational curricula, and media platforms to promote the coexistence of Te Reo Māori alongside English as the official language, fostering a culture of linguistic diversity and inclusivity.

Support Indigenous Language Rights: Recognise and uphold the rights of Māori as Indigenous peoples to preserve, revitalise, and transmit their language, culture, and traditional knowledge to future generations, in accordance with international human rights standards and the principles of self-determination and cultural autonomy.

Raise Awareness and Celebrate Māori Culture: Raise public awareness about the importance of Te Reo Māori as a unique cultural asset and national treasure, and encourage the celebration and promotion of Māori language and culture through cultural events, festivals, and community engagement initiatives.

By taking proactive measures to preserve the official use of Te Reo Māori, New Zealand can demonstrate its commitment to honouring Indigenous language rights, fostering cultural diversity, and building a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

We, the petitioners, urge the New Zealand Government to prioritise the preservation and promotion of Te Reo Māori as an official language of New Zealand and take decisive action to ensure its enduring vitality and relevance in the modern world.