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English Language Bill

Government Bill
Published date: 06 Aug 2026

Bills are proposals to make a new law or to change an existing one. Only Parliament can pass a bill. Each bill goes through several stages, giving MPs and the public the chance to have their say.

This bill provides for the recognition of the official status of the English language in New Zealand in legislation.
person
MP in charge
Hon Paul Goldsmith
groups
Committee
Justice
confirmation_number Bill No.198-1
account_balance54Parliament
description

Read the bill

Link to NZ Legislation website

Progress of the Bill

Details
today

Assented on 05 Aug 2026

description

Act: English Language Act 2026

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Royal Assent

The Governor-General formally signs the bill into law.

Resources

  • Member(s) in charge: Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Type of Bill: Government
    Parliament: 54
    Bill no: 198-1
    Introduction: 15 Feb 2026
    First reading agreed: 03 Mar 2026
    Referred to: Justice
    Submissions due: 26 Mar 2026
    Select Committee Report(s):
    Second reading agreed: 21 Jul 2026
    Committee of the whole House concluded: 29 Jul 2026
    Third reading agreed: 30 Jul 2026
    Royal assent: 05 Aug 2026
    Act: English Language Act 2026

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