The ACT Party has introduced the Treaty Principles Bill to Parliament, marking it as the most controversial legislation of the government’s term. This bill aims to define the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi and establish its principles in law. The Treaty, signed in 1840 between the British Crown and MÄori chiefs, has become a crucial document guiding the relationship between the Crown and MÄori in New Zealand.
The Waitangi Tribunal, established in 1975, rules on claims by MÄori tribes and has granted compensation in cases where property was taken in breach of the Treaty. However, the Tribunal has faced controversy due to discrepancies between the English and MÄori versions of the Treaty. The proposed Treaty Principles Bill seeks to clarify these discrepancies and ensure that the Treaty’s principles are used in interpreting legislation.
Opponents of the bill argue that it goes against the principle of equality before the law, as it may restrict additional funding for MÄori initiatives. The bill commits the Crown to recognizing and protecting the rights of tribes under the Treaty, but only if those rights are agreed upon in historical treaty claim settlements.
The coalition partners National and NZ First have indicated that they will only support the bill’s first reading, sending it to a Select Committee for public submissions. ACT leader David Seymour believes it is crucial to establish the principles of the Treaty through Parliament, rather than leaving it to the courts and the Waitangi Tribunal. The bill has sparked a nationwide protest march, with opponents criticizing it for potentially promoting anti-MÄori sentiments.
When we talk about honoring the Treaty, that is what we are protecting and that is what we are saying is forever.
Anyone was welcome to join the march, as MÄori liberation did not equal PÄkehÄ oppression, Kapa-Kingi added.
It is expected to arrive at Parliament on Nov. 19.
