Multilingualism in New Zealand

This article considers the issue of multilingualism and language policy in New Zealand. The author takes into consideration the social status of English and Maori, draws reader's attention to the state policy of the Ministry of Education of New Zealand and the activities of governmental and nongovernmental organizations concerning the English language, Maori and the New Zealand Sign Language. The author analyses New Zealand state reforms, aimed at cultivation of the cultural, educational and communicative value of the Maori language and culture. The paper draws attention to the growth of ethnic consciousness of the Maori people, communicative expansion of the Maori language usage in public, political, educational, scientific and cultural spheres of New Zealand. The language situation in New Zealand is unbalanced exoglossic. The most common language in New Zealand is English, and it continues to occupy the most prestigious position in all the spheres of communication.