Treaty of Waitangi Bill Submissions

E mōhio ana koutou, the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill is currently open for submissions.

The Bill seeks to rewrite the meaning of the Treaty of Waitangi by replacing existing "Treaty Principles" with new ones, which the experts argue misrepresent the Treaty and do not align with its original intent.

Principle 2 in the Bill would limit Māori rights to only those recognised in historical Treaty settlements, effectively erasing the Treaty’s guarantee of tino rangatiratanga. This risks undermining Māori authority and excludes the courts from protecting Māori rights.

Principle 3 promotes equality, but it fails to recognise the right of Māori to be Māori and to have their tikanga Māori protected by law. It also overlooks the long-term effects of colonisation and historical breaches of the Treaty.

All whānau are encouraged to consider the potential consequences of this Bill and not to support it in its current form.

Kia kaha tātou, the collective voice is powerful. The protection of rights and the future is paramount.

Submissions are open now and will close on January 7, 2025. If opposition to this Bill is held, it is urged that views be submitted.

Forty-two senior lawyers, all King’s Counsel, have sent a letter to the Prime Minister and the Attorney General stating grave concerns about the Treaty Principles Bill and strongly encouraging the Bill to be should abandoned - click here to read more.

Participation is essential to ensure that mana whenua is respected, and that the integrity of the Treaty is upheld for future generations.