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Labour 'drops' law requiring local support before street names change


Published on 2024-12-15 12:40:46 - MSN
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  • Legislation introduced by the Tories in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests would have obliged local authorities to secure two-thirds backing in a referendum before renaming landmarks.

The Labour government in New Zealand has decided to abandon a proposed law that would have required local councils to gain community support before changing street names. This decision was influenced by significant opposition from Māori groups, who argued that the requirement would hinder the restoration of original Māori place names. The bill, introduced by the previous National Party-led government, aimed to ensure that name changes had community backing but was criticized for potentially blocking the recognition of indigenous heritage. The Labour Party, now in opposition, has confirmed that the bill will not proceed, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and restoring Māori place names as part of New Zealand's cultural identity.

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[ https://www.msn.com/en-au/politics/government/labour-drops-law-requiring-local-support-before-street-names-change/ar-AA1vTZ2J ]