Iwi Chairs Forum urges Royal Treaty accountability

The Iwi Chairs Forum has written an open letter to King Charles, calling attention to concerns over government policies affecting Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The letter, published in The Guardian yesterday, includes calls for a continued close partnership between the English Royal Family, the Kiingitanga, and Te Arikinui Kuini Ngawai hono i te pō.

The forum outlined issues relating to the numerous legislative changes the government has implemented during its first 12 months in office.

The letter has 503 signatories, whose signatures are not visible on the public copy due to privacy concerns.

Iwi Chairs Forum chair Margaret Mutu says Te Tiriti represents the promise of harmonious relationships, partnership, mutual respect, cooperation, and protection. She warns that the current government threatens rights foundational to the legal and constitutional relationship between Māori and the Crown.

Aperahama Edwards, chair of Ngāti Wai Rūnanga, says the government’s actions seem to disregard the promises of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, creating division in what has been a largely peaceful nation.

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