New Zealand MP Chloe Swarbrick told Parliament that English is oppressive and is being “beaten into people” as lawmakers debated a bill that would formally recognize English as an official language of New Zealand. Swarbrick, co-leader of the Green Party, pushed back against legislation introduced this week with support stemming from a coalition agreement between the National Party and New Zealand First.
Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First, defended the bill in an introductory speech.
“English has long been the predominant language of government, education, people with brains, commerce and daily life in New Zealand,” Peters said. “It is spoken by around 95% of the population. It has never been formally recognised in statute as an official language. This bill seeks to correct that anomaly.”
Peters faced interjections from opposition members as he continued, saying, “The purpose of an introductory speech is that some ignoramuses like you might learn something.”
He also argued that the increased use of the Maori language has resulted in “created situations of misunderstanding and confusion - and all for the purpose to push a narrative.”
Swarbrick rejected that claim, saying English was “literally beaten into people” in the country.
“We are speaking it right now. It is not under threat,” she said. “In plain English for all members of this government, this bill is bullsh*t, and you know it.”
“Some out there say that this government is stupid, unfortunately... I think that they know exactly what they are doing,” she added, accusing the government of attempting to “invent an oppression.”
