The languages spoken in New Zealand are primarily:
- English: It is the predominant language spoken by about 95.4% of the population and is considered a de facto official language. It is the main language used in government, education, and daily communication. The New Zealand English dialect resembles Australian English but has some distinct pronunciation differences.
- Māori (Te Reo Māori): The indigenous language of the Māori people, made the first de jure official language in 1987. Though fewer people speak it fluently (about 4% of the population), it holds significant cultural importance and is taught in schools. Signs and official materials often appear in both Māori and English.
- New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL): This was made an official language in 2006 and is used by the Deaf community.
Other languages also spoken by significant communities in New Zealand include Samoan, Mandarin, Hindi, and others, due to the country's ethnic diversity. In summary, the official languages of New Zealand are English (de facto), Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language, with English being the most widely spoken language throughout the country. Māori and NZSL have official recognition to preserve and promote their use in certain contexts. This linguistic setup reflects New Zealand's multicultural heritage and commitment to honoring its indigenous culture and accessibility for the Deaf community.
