The New Zealand Parliament Speaker, Gerry Brownlee, has advised lawmakers to cease their grievances about the use of the Māori name for the country following a strong objection from the Deputy Prime Minister about its use in the house.

In his ruling on Tuesday, Brownlee acknowledged that “New Zealand” is the official name, but emphasized that the Māori name “Aotearoa” is widely used, including on currency and passports. Lawmakers have the freedom to speak in any of the three recognized languages: English, Māori, or sign language, and Brownlee declared that the matter is closed.

“The use of certain words is not obligatory for members who dislike them. However, this should not be raised as a point of order,” Brownlee stated.

This ruling follows Winston Peters, the Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the New Zealand First party, questioning why Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March, an immigrant from Mexico, referred to “Aotearoa” during house proceedings in February.

Peters argued that the name change to “Aotearoa” without the mandate or approval of the people of New Zealand is unjust.

“Allowing someone who came to New Zealand as an immigrant to change the country’s name without a referendum or the people’s approval is unjust,” Peters questioned.

Menéndez March accused Peters’ comments of being explicitly xenophobic, warning that such remarks could harm the community.

Other lawmakers have also used “Aotearoa” in the house, including National party minister Tama Potaka, who did so a day before Menéndez March.

The ruling comes during a period of high tension between the government and the Indigenous population in New Zealand. The rightwing coalition’s policies on Māori have been widely criticized by Māori leaders, prompting major protests. These policies include limiting the use of the Māori language in public services and rolling back policies meant to improve Māori health and wellbeing.

Aotearoa, commonly translated to “long white cloud” or “long bright world”, has become a popular term among the public, media, businesses, and the government, as there has been a longstanding effort to revive the Indigenous language. However, there is little appetite to officially change New Zealand’s name to Aotearoa. In 2022, the Māori party submitted a petition with 70,000 signatures to parliament to officially change the country’s name, but polling suggested that most New Zealanders are not in favor of the change.

Peters, who is of Māori descent, has a history of opposing initiatives aimed at advancing Māori and has criticizing the use of Māori names for government departments. He also claimed that Māori are not Indigenous.

Following the ruling, Peters stated that the speaker’s conclusion is incorrect because the use of “Aotearoa” has not been put to a popular vote and does not have the people’s consent or mandate.

Peters, Jones, and Menéndez March were invited to comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/05/new-zealand-parliament-maori-name-aotearoa-row-peters-menendez-brownlee-ntwnfb