language diversity in New Zealand. It is a project of Te Waka Reo, the Language Policy Network of the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme, facilitated by the Race Relations Commissioner and the Human Rights Commission. Introduction New Zealand is a diverse society in a globalised international community. It has an indigenous language, te reo M?ori, and a bicultural M?ori and Anglo-Celtic foundation. It is located in the Asia Pacific region and many people from the Pacific and Asia have settled here. Languages are an important national resource in terms of our cultural identities, cultural diversity and international connectedness. They are vitally important for individuals and communities, bringing educational, social, cultural and economic benefits. They contribute to all three national priorities of national identity, economic transformation and families young and old. English is the most widely used language in New Zealand, and the ability to communicate in English is important for all New Zealanders. Te reo M?ori and New Zealand Sign Language are recognised by law as official languages. The number of speakers of te reo M?ori is now increasing, but much remains to be done to secure its future as a living language. A majority of New Zealanders currently speak only one language. There are however significant communities who have a heritage language other than English. M?ori, Pacific and Asian communities alone make up nearly a third of the population. The most common community languages other than English are te reo M?ori, Chinese languages, Samoan, and Hindi. Human Rights and