New Zealand shifts to the right, but only slightly by global standards
Washington PostNov 30, 2023
The Facts
Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Governor Adrian Orr has defended the use of the Māori language within the bank's official communications amid an attempt by the country's new coalition government to reduce the use of indigenous language in favor of English within the public sector.
While agreements made by the new coalition government — led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon — require all government agencies to primarily use English for department names and communications, Orr has stated that he will continue to use the name "Te Putea Matua" as well as the "Reserve Bank of New Zealand."
The Spin
Left narrative
The new coalition government has taken mere days to begin undermining Māori communities. No matter who holds a majority in New Zealand's parliament, the rights of the Māori community must be protected, and any attempt to reduce indigenous involvement in New Zealand's future will be met with stern resistance.
Right narrative
New Zealand's left, now finally out of power, have already begun to cry over the planned removal of their Māori policies which has only divided the country. Māoris are New Zealanders like everybody else, and they should not be given special treatment to the detriment of the majority of the population due to their race. Luxon's government is already returning common sense to the country.
