The Shadowy Hands: Foreign Interference Threatens the Heart & Soul of Aotearoa

Introduction:

The recent push for the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, championed by the ACT party, has exposed a dangerous undercurrent in New Zealand politics: the insidious influence of foreign speculators seeking to undermine our nation’s core values and democratic processes. While the bill’s proponents claim it aims to clarify the Treaty’s principles, the reality is far more sinister. This is a calculated assault on the very foundations of Aotearoa, orchestrated by shadowy forces with a vested interest in exploiting our resources and eroding our sovereignty.

This is not just a political debate; it is a calculated attack on the very fabric of our nation. The fingerprints of the Atlas Network, a US-based organization notorious for its anti-Treaty stance and its close ties to powerful corporations, are all over this campaign. Their strategy is clear: to sow discord, manipulate public opinion, and ultimately pave the way for the exploitation of our land and resources by foreign interests.

Atlas Network links in NZ / Supplied

The Atlas Network’s tactics are as insidious as they are familiar. They are deploying a sophisticated propaganda machine, leveraging social media platforms to spread misinformation and distort the truth. They are funding a select group of individuals, often with questionable motives, to present a false narrative that misrepresents the views of the vast majority of Māori. This is a deliberate attempt to manufacture consent, to create a smokescreen of public support for a bill that would fundamentally undermine the Treaty and the rights of our indigenous people.

But this is not just about the Treaty Principles Bill. It is about a wider pattern of erosion of Māori rights and the undermining of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This coalition government has embarked on a systematic dismantling of institutions and policies designed to uphold the Treaty and support Māori communities.

The list of transgressions is long and damning:

Disbanding the Te Aka Whaiora Maaori Health Authority: A deliberate blow to Māori self-determination in healthcare, undermining the right to culturally appropriate and responsive services.

Reversing Indigenous policies supporting Māori: A systematic rollback of progress, leaving Māori communities vulnerable and marginalized.

– Attacking Te Reo Māori: A blatant attempt to erase our language and cultural identity, further marginalizing Māori and undermining the Treaty’s commitment to cultural preservation.

– Eliminating Māori wards: A move that undermines Māori representation and participation in local government, further eroding their political voice.

Restricting the use of karakia: A blatant attack on our cultural practices, undermining the spiritual and cultural foundations of Māori communities.

Repealing Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act: A step backwards in protecting Māori children, leaving them vulnerable to further harm and neglect.

Remove Te Tiriti o Waitangi clauses: from Corrections legislation without consultation with Māori communities.

Implementing ineffective boot camps: against Royal Commission recommendations: A disregard for the needs of our youth, prioritizing punitive measures over restorative justice.

Failing to uphold commitments to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: A betrayal of international obligations and a disregard for the fundamental human rights of Māori.

Discriminating against the disabled community: A failure to uphold the principles of equality and inclusion, leaving vulnerable communities behind.

Betraying promises to cancer patients: A callous disregard for the health and well-being of our citizens, prioritizing political expediency over human needs.

Providing tax breaks to wealthy landlords: A move that exacerbates inequality and undermines the right to affordable housing, disproportionately impacting Māori communities.

Allowing global corporations to exploit New Zealand’s resources without benefiting local communities: A blatant disregard for the Treaty’s principles of partnership and resource sharing, prioritizing corporate profits over the well-being of our people and environment.

This systematic dismantling of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, coupled with the calculated push for the Treaty Principles Bill, reveals a disturbing agenda. This coalition government, with the support of foreign speculators like the Atlas Network, is implementing the RE-COLONISATION OF AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND IN 2024 by paving the way for the exploitation of New Zealand’s resources by international corporations, at the expense of Māori rights and the future of Aotearoa.

The consequences of this foreign interference are far-reaching. The passage of the Treaty Principles Bill would not only erode Māori rights, but it would also set a dangerous precedent for future legislation. It would signal to the world that Aotearoa is vulnerable to external manipulation, that our democratic processes can be manipulated by those with deep pockets and a disregard for our nation’s values.

This is not just about the Treaty; it is about the very heart and soul of Aotearoa. It is about protecting our sovereignty, our identity, and our future. We must be vigilant against those who seek to undermine our nation from within and without. But vigilance alone is not enough. We must actively combat these threats by:

Exposing the Atlas Network’s Agenda: Shine a light on their funding sources, their connections to corporations, and their history of undermining indigenous rights globally.

Amplifying Māori Voices: Support and amplify the voices of Māori leaders, communities, and organizations who are fighting for their rights and the future of Aotearoa.

Strengthening Māori Governance: Invest in and empower Māori governance structures, including Iwi and hapū authorities, to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Educating the Public: Inform the public about the true implications of the Treaty Principles Bill and the wider pattern of erosion of Māori rights.

Holding the Government Accountable: Demand transparency and accountability from the government regarding their actions and their relationship with foreign actors.

Supporting Indigenous Rights Globally: Recognize that the threats facing Aotearoa are part of a larger global struggle for indigenous rights and sovereignty.

Conclusion:

The time for complacency is over. The future of Aotearoa hangs in the balance. We must act now to protect our nation’s heart and soul and ensure a future where all New Zealanders, Māori and non-Māori alike, can thrive.

Advertisement

Recommended For You

About the Author: Dr Rawiri Waretini-Karena

Ngāti Māhanga, Ngāti Māhuta, Ngāti Kaahu, Ngāti Hine- Ngāti Mōrehu: Lecturer, Educator, Independent researcher.