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February 17, 2025
Rangatahi speak out against Treaty Principles Bill
Atereano Mateariki
Posted On February 17, 2025
Download AudioToday, week three of oral submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill began with rangatahi voices standing out against the bill.
Starting at 9 am, high-profile submitters included Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services, The Salvation Army New Zealand, Mana Mokopuna – Children and Young People’s Commission, Te Rūnanga Nui o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa, and the National Iwi Chairs Forum.
Also on the list was the Rainbow mental health organisation, Outline Aotearoa, represented by chief executive Emmaline Pickering-Martin and her daughter Rae-Dawn Matangi.
Matangi says she and her friends believe the bill is a waste of time, as Te Tiriti is enough.
“I recommend the government listen. I recommend the government think about rangatahi like me, who this will affect in years to come. I recommend the government, especially David Seymour, to stop acting like a little rat and start being honest with themselves and with us young people, and to do what is right for my people. And my final recommendation is that this bill doesn’t go any further,” says Matangi.
Emmaline Pickering-Martin says Te Tiriti is a living document that is present in the lives of all New Zealanders, wherever they may be in Aotearoa.
The select committee is expected to review over 80 hours of submissions by the end of the month.
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