Introduction
Christian leaders across New Zealand have issued a strong condemnation of the proposed Treaty Principles Bill, calling on MPs to reject the legislation. The open letter, signed by nearly 450 leaders from various denominations, argues that the Bill undermines the Treaty of Waitangi and fails to recognize the collective rights of Māori.
The Bill, which is set to go to Cabinet on Monday, aims to enshrine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in law. However, the letter states that the proposed legislation “does not recognize the collective rights of iwi Māori or guarantee their relationship with the Crown.” It further asserts that the Bill would “undermine what Te Tiriti guarantees, and what decades of law, jurisprudence and policy have sought to recognize.”
The letter’s release has sparked a heated political debate, with ACT leader David Seymour arguing that the church’s opposition is not new, citing their previous stance against the End of Life Choice Act. Seymour maintains that the Treaty Principles Bill is necessary to ensure a “healthy debate” on whether New Zealand should adopt different rights based on ancestry, or remain a “modern, multi-ethnic liberal democracy where every New Zealander has the same rights.” However, Seymour’s argument overlooks a crucial point: every New Zealander is a Treaty partner. Hobson signed the Treaty on behalf of the British Empire, encompassing future generations who would come to this country. This means that all New Zealanders, regardless of their ancestry, are inherently connected to the Treaty and have a stake in its interpretation and implementation.
Labour and the Greens have lauded the Christian leaders for their stance, with Labour’s Māori development spokesperson Willie Jackson praising their “bravery” and “responsibility.” Jackson views the Bill as “disgusting and dishonest,” arguing that it flies in the face of legal precedent and government policy. He accuses the ACT party of attempting to deny Māori justice and calls for the government to “throw this Bill out now.”
The Greens’ Māori development spokesperson Hūhana Lyndon similarly welcomes the church leaders’ condemnation, highlighting the unity seen in their public statement. She sees the widespread opposition to the Bill as a reflection of the “divisive narrative” it would perpetuate, and its potential to undermine the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundational document for New Zealand.
Conclusion
National has indicated that it will support the Bill’s progression to select committee, but will not support it beyond that, ensuring it will not become law. The debate surrounding the Treaty Principles Bill is likely to continue, with the church’s condemnation adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape. The issue of Treaty partnership, however, remains central to the discussion. The Treaty’s legacy extends to all New Zealanders, and the debate surrounding the Bill should acknowledge this shared responsibility and the inherent right of all citizens to participate in shaping the future of the nation.
Reference
Edward’s, B. ( 2 February 2024). Tax, Treaty Principles, James Shaw, Spending cuts. [Featured image] Retrieved September 9 2024 from: https://www.nbr.co.nz/beehive-banter/tax-treaty-principles-james-shaw-and-spending-cuts/
