8 June 2021
Liz Simons
[FYI request #15421 email]
Dear Ms Simons
Official Information Request
Our Ref: OIA 2021-0053
I refer to your official information request received on 10 May 2021 for:
“Use of Aotearoa instead of New Zealand
I wish to request under the official information act why Government departments are now
naming New Zealand "Aotearoa", formally and only this instead of "New Zealand" and what
the rational is for this. I also request any English and Maori naming conventions and when one
should be used over the other in English and Maori text.
New Zealand is the legal name of our country no official name change or referendum has
taken place to change this. In English text this should be used accordingly. An Act of Parliament
is needed to change the name of New Zealand and this has not occurred.
Aotearoa is also actually one of the Māori names for the North Island of New Zealand, and has
never included the South Island of New Zealand. Only after modern revisionism has this
occurred. The name change without consulting the public is divisive and exclusionary. The
official name New Zealand should be being used by Government departments in English text.
Please provide justification for.”
Our Response
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission does not hold information in relation to which
government departments have chosen to formally replace New Zealand with “Aotearoa” in their
communications, or their rationale for doing so. In order to obtain the justification that you have
requested, you would need to request this from the specific government department directly.
We are therefore refusing your request under section 18(e) of the Official Information Act 1982 on the
grounds the information requested does not exist.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact
[email address].
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
freephone 0800 802 602.
Level 10, RBNZ Building | 2 The Terrace | PO Box 329
Wel ington 6140 | New Zealand
Phone +64 4 495 6600
Please note that we intend to publish this letter (with your personal details removed) on the Te Kawa
Mataaho Public Service Commission’s website.
Yours sincerely
Nicky Dirks
Managing Principal – Ministerial Services
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission
Document Outline