New Zealand is set to make English an official language under proposed legislation, a move supporters present as formal recognition of the country’s most widely used language. Critics, including opposition MPs, argue that the change is unnecessary and politically motivated, saying it will have little practical effect.

The proposal comes despite English already being the dominant language used in government, education and daily life in New Zealand. Māori and New Zealand Sign Language already hold official-language status, while the reported bill has prompted debate over priorities and the symbolic treatment of the country’s languages.