This is edition 2025/130 of the Ten@10 newsletter.
Hi all,
This is the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.
Enjoy!
1. The Great Aotearoa Debate
Peter Williams
- 🌍 Winston Peters' attempt: Peters questioned the inclusion of "Aotearoa" on passports and bank notes during Question Time, but was rebuked by Speaker Gerry Brownlee for his stance.
- 💳 Aotearoa's official presence: The name "Aotearoa" appears on passports and banknotes, but there’s little clarity on the decision-making process behind its inclusion.
- 🕵️♂️ Unanswered questions: Questions arise about whether the public was consulted or if there was government or parliamentary direction on this change.
- 📝 Date of change: Some reports suggest Aotearoa was added to passports around 2005, with the front cover change in 2021.
- 📚 Language evolution: The translation of "uruwhenua" (part of the new passport name) raises questions about the development of te reo Māori over the past two centuries.
- 🔄 Stealth change: The inclusion of Aotearoa happened quietly, without significant public input or awareness, sparking debate over national identity.
- 🏛 Winston's challenge: Peters’ attempt to push back against these changes reflects his concern about a nation unsure of its identity.
- ❓ Referendum suggestion: Peters proposes a referendum on the matter, asking New Zealanders if they want "Aotearoa" included in the official name of the country.
