pn794. Update on Māori Party petition for name changes

Bryce Edward's NZ Political Daily has a section on media reactions to the Māori Party petition on changing our country's name to Aotearoa and other place name changes.

Former politician Peter Dunne says the Māori Party "continues to provide a breathy of fresh air in the political space, otherwise choked by Covid19."  He says the call for a referendum "should be welcomed because it "will hopefully set off a full public debate about the nature of our country and its ongoing national identity."

pn792 Māori Party call for name changes the wrong way to go

Official, media and I think public support for the use of the Māori language has increased in recent years and a significant number of Māori and Pakēhā are now enrolled in language classes.  

If this mood continues, and is taken up by young people, the target of having a million Māori speakers in 20 years time could well become a reality, and New Zealand will be a more understanding, tolerant and better place to live as a result.  

But at this point in time the outcome is by no means certain. Alongside the move to make things Māori part of the New Zealand mainstream, there is a counter-current to ignore, belittle or name it irrelevant.