New Zealand legislation making English an official language ridiculed as ‘pathetic’

Passing of bill gives English same status as Mori and sign language but, with it already spoken by 95% of country, critics call it a pointless exercise'

Legislation recognising English as an official language of New Zealand has been passed by parliament, prompting derision from linguists and legal experts and a now-viral broadside from a Mori MP who called it pathetic".

The English language bill became law on 30 July giving English, which is spoken by 95% of the country, the same official status as te reo Mori (Mori language) and New Zealand sign language.