January 25, 2024
Treaty referendum step too far says Potaka
Māori Development Minister Tama Pōtaka says opposition to the Government is coming because people are reacting to opinions rather than facts.
During yesterday’s powhiri for Government parties at Ratana Pa, speakers took National to task over the ACT Party’s Treaty Principles Bill.
Mr Pōtaka says the coalition arrangements make it clear National would support the Bill at first reading so it can go to select committee for wider discussion.
“That’s all that has been agreed and we are committed and have every intention to do that. However, we have not seen the bill yet. And we have also said that If that bill seeks to have a referendum on the treaty, we think that unhelpful and very divisive and we will not support that,” he says.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Rātana Pā, he has no intention and no commitment to support ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill beyond the select committee stage.