Ngāti Rēhia chairman Kipa Munro says time is running out for the Associate Minister of Justice to respond to his hapū on whether he will stay away from Waitangi Day.
Last week, the settlement trust sent a formal letter to David Seymour, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, urging Seymour not to attend Waitangi. At the same time, he continues to challenge the authority of the nation’s covenant.
Kipa says Ngāti Rēhia is still waiting for a response from their descendant; however, they have heard Seymour will be coming to Waitangi despite their request.
He says that over the years, Waitangi Day has become a day of unity for Te Taitokerau. However, Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill threatens to reverse all the progress made, which Māori have fought relentlessly for about Māori development, tikanga, and te reo Māori.
Today, the Justice Select Committee will hear two hours of oral submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill, starting at 8:00 a.m.
