The Treaty Principles Bill is moving closer to Parliament. The Cabinet discussed it on Monday and plans to introduce it in November. This bill aims to change the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, focusing on property rights rather than indigenous rights. It is led by Associate Justice Minister David Seymour.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon mentioned that although the National Party will not support the bill becoming law, they will agree to a public inquiry into its content. During past events across the country, Luxon faced criticism for the bill. He has tried to address this by stating that National supports the bill only for its first reading.
On Monday, after the Cabinet discussion, Luxon confirmed there would be no referendum on the Treaty principles. He said, “We are supporting a bill to first reading. It will come to the house in November,” reiterating National’s limited support.
Opposition to the bill is increasing. Over 400 Christian leaders signed a letter asking the Government to abandon it. They warned that the bill could harm Aotearoa New Zealand and stressed that churches have a duty to uphold the mana of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. They urged MPs to stop the bill from going to Select Committee.
Labour’s Willie Jackson also criticized the bill, saying it should not enter Parliament and called on National Party ministers to oppose it. However, Luxon stated that he will not stop the bill and supports letting it be reviewed by a parliamentary committee.
Luxon explained that the Treaty Principles Bill was a significant issue during coalition negotiations, which took time to resolve. Seymour suggested that discussions should wait until the bill is in Parliament, claiming it will confirm that “all humans have equal rights.”
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