Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
The Waitangi Tribunal has issued a scathing report criticizing the government’s proposed Treaty Principles Bill and Treaty Clause Review policies, alleging they represent an “anti-Treaty” agenda. The report, released on August 16, 2024, accuses the government of distorting the language of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document of New Zealand, based on a false historical narrative.
The Tribunal found that the government’s policies aim to “whitewash” Te Tiriti o Waitangi, effectively eroding its significance and undermining its principles. The report states that the proposed legislation would “distort the language of the Treaty based on a false historical narrative,” effectively undermining the Treaty’s original intent.
The Tribunal’s report highlights several key concerns regarding the government’s proposed changes:
- Misinterpretation of Treaty Principles: The report criticizes the government’s attempt to redefine Treaty principles, arguing that this approach misrepresents the Treaty’s original meaning and undermines its core values.
- Ignoring Māori Rights: The Tribunal expresses concern that the proposed legislation would diminish Māori rights and interests, particularly in relation to land, resources, and cultural heritage.
- Lack of Consultation: The report criticizes the government’s lack of meaningful consultation with Māori during the development of the proposed legislation, arguing that this process is fundamentally flawed and undermines the Treaty’s principles of partnership and equity.
The Tribunal’s findings have sparked widespread condemnation from Māori leaders and organizations, who view the government’s proposed changes as a direct attack on the Treaty and its enduring significance. Many have called for the government to abandon the proposed legislation and engage in genuine consultation with Māori to ensure that the Treaty’s principles are upheld and respected.
The Waitangi Tribunal’s report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in upholding the Treaty’s principles in contemporary New Zealand. The report highlights the importance of ensuring that the Treaty is not merely a historical document but a living framework for achieving a just and equitable society for all New Zealanders.
References:
- Waitangi Tribunal. (2024, August 16). Interim Report on the Treaty Principles Bill and Treaty Clause Review. Retrieved from https://www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz/
- Māori Party. (2024, August 16). Tribunal Scathes Government’s Anti-Tiriti Agenda. Retrieved from https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/tribunal_scathes_government_s_anti_tiriti_agenda
- Scoop News. (2024, August 16). Tribunal Scathes Government’s Anti-Tiriti Agenda. Retrieved from https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2408/S00113/tribunal-scathes-governments-anti-tiriti-agenda.htm
- MIL-OSI New Zealand. (2024, August 16). Tribunal Scathes Government’s Anti-Tiriti Agenda. Retrieved from https://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2024/08/16/mil-osi-new-zealand-tribunal-scathes-governments-anti-tiriti-agenda/
- RNZ. (2024, August 16). Waitangi Tribunal calls for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned in scathing report. Retrieved from https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/525344/waitangi-tribunal-calls-for-treaty-principles-bill-to-be-abandoned-in-scathing-report
