New Zealand’s central bank chief defended its use of the Maori language in official communications on Wednesday, as the country’s new centre-right government looks to roll back the use of the Indigenous language in the public sector.

The three parties in the new coalition government last week signed agreements that outline policies to roll back the use of Maori language and require all government agencies to primarily use English for their department names and communications.

Central bank governor Adrian Orr said at a media conference following the bank’s monetary policy meeting that it was proud of its Maori name “Te Putea Matua” and would continue to use it in addition to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ).

  • @WaxedWookie
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    46 months ago

    I’m guessing these conservatives will tell you they value free speech as the legislate how you choose to express yourself harmlessly.

    • livusOP
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      fedilink
      46 months ago

      @WaxedWookie I think you’re right, it does seem to be being framed as a “free speech” issue in some quarters.

      • @WaxedWookie
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        46 months ago

        Standard conservative honesty™, standard conservative playbook.