March 12, 2026

#kaupapa: Public Submissions Open on Proposed English Language Bill

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 12, 2026

Public submissions are now being invited on the proposed English Language Bill, with the Justice Select Committee calling for feedback from individuals and organisations across Aotearoa.

The bill seeks to formally recognise English as an official language of New Zealand alongside te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. While English is already the most widely used language in everyday life, it has never been formally recognised in law in the same way as the other two official languages.

The legislation has been referred to the Justice Committee, which is responsible for examining the bill and considering public input before reporting back to Parliament. The committee is encouraging people to share their views on the proposal and how it may affect New Zealand’s language framework and cultural landscape.

Submissions opened this week and will remain open until midnight on March 27. Members of the public can make written submissions through the parliamentary website, with the committee expected to review feedback before making recommendations on whether the bill should proceed, be amended, or be rejected.

The bill is part of ongoing debate about language recognition in Aotearoa and how the country’s legal framework reflects the role of English, te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language in public life.

Once submissions close, the select committee will review the evidence and prepare a report to Parliament outlining its findings and recommendations on the proposed legislation.