The top three languages spoken in New Zealand are English, Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language.
English
English is the most widely spoken language in New Zealand, with over 90% of the population speaking it as their first language. This is due to New Zealand's colonial history as a British settlement. English is used in all aspects of life, including government, education, business, and media.
Māori
Māori is an indigenous Polynesian language spoken by approximately 4% of the population. It is an official language of New Zealand, alongside English, and enjoys significant cultural and historical significance. Māori language revitalization efforts are ongoing, with increasing use in schools, government, and media.
New Zealand Sign Language
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is the primary language of the Deaf community in New Zealand. It is a visual language with its own unique grammar and vocabulary. NZSL is officially recognized as a language of New Zealand and is taught in schools for the Deaf.
While English is the dominant language, New Zealand embraces its multiculturalism and acknowledges the importance of preserving and promoting Māori and NZSL.
