Peter Carr
Well, the eagle has landed – or to be more apposite the new government is installed onto the Treasury benches. And the axe is starting to fall on some icons hitherto cherished by the previous – and now departed – government.
While the Minister of Finance is attempting to get a grip on the state of the national books – which no doubt will reveal some last-minute pre-departure largesse surprises – several early initiatives which were promised in the lengthy election process are starting to be activated.
Not the least of which is the return, hopefully, to a predominant use of a language that is native to the far greater majority of the populace. I use the word ‘predominant’ not in any means to demean the use of the Māori tongue or that it should appear, when appropriate, inferior to English. And I can hear the drums beating already!
Starting with road signs. Just think as you drive your car how you visually perceive a roading direction sign. Your eyes naturally work from the top of the sign. Thus, if the first line is written in a language alien to you, then you are placing yourself in danger using your eyes for the second line. That creates a danger upon yourself, your passengers and other users of the highway (including pedestrians). I have no problem with the Māori wording on the second line as the greater majority of the 16 per cent-or-so of the driving population will understand the top line anyway.
So meanwhile hats off to the Chief Executive of NZTA in deciding to bring the formal signage in their buildings, on vehicles and letter heading to a more understandable format. As was clearly stated at the weekend, the cost to make the change is minimal. And then the normal description of their organisation should be NZTA without the linked second language. Have it on their signs by all means but let the media get a grip and talk some common sense instead of pandering to their predominant left-wing dreams.
Lastly the formal name of the country. When Winston Peters, mid-election, spoke to a packed Cambridge Town Hall he opened his speech by (twice) stating clearly ‘the name of this country is still New Zealand’. The $55 million media bribe from the previous government briefly worked well for the donor of the money for it was clearly a targeted (and then failed) vote gatherer.
There is not room here to debate the use of the long ‘A’ word – and for those who would like a simple view of the matter I suggest you peruse Wikipedia for a start. The initial use of the word – by Māori – was designated to describe only the North Island. Michael King’s excellent and respected work on the History of New Zealand confirms that as a fact.
No doubt this diatribe (remember it is an opinion piece) may stir some feelings and balanced, sensible conversation would be welcomed, I am sure. Maybe this is the time for the editor to have a meaningful discussion regarding my future!
A Happy Christmas to you all.
