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New Zealand to Redesign Passport Amid Language Controversy

7/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New Zealand's passport will undergo a significant redesign by 2027, featuring English text prominently above te reo Maori. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden highlighted this shift, underscoring the importance of English. This decision comes amid heated discussions about the inclusion of "Aotearoa" in official documents, sparking opposition from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.

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Story summary

New Zealand's passport will undergo a significant redesign by 2027, featuring English text prominently above te reo Maori. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden highlighted this shift, underscoring the importance of English. This decision comes amid heated discussions about the inclusion of "Aotearoa" in official documents, sparking opposition from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.