Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono is raising concerns about a series of political and economic shifts he says are putting pressure on workers and Māori rights both at home and abroad.
Speaking after a recent visit to China, Tuiono says the trip focused on strengthening relationships and understanding global economic dynamics at a time of increasing uncertainty for workers.
His comments come ahead of May Day, with warnings that workers’ rights in Aotearoa are under growing strain. He points to policy changes and broader economic pressures that he says are eroding protections and widening inequality.
At the same time, Tuiono is critical of moves by the Coalition government to remove references to Te Tiriti o Waitangi from legislation, despite advice from its own advisory group against significant changes. He says these actions risk undermining the role of Te Tiriti in law and weakening commitments to Māori.
Concerns are also being raised about the influence of senior coalition figures, including Winston Peters and Shane Jones, with questions about whether their political positions align with the needs and aspirations of Māori communities.
Tuiono says representation alone is not enough, and that policies and actions must reflect and uphold Māori rights and interests.
The comments highlight growing political tension as debates intensify around workers’ protections, Treaty obligations, and the direction of government policy.
With May Day approaching, Tuiono is calling for renewed focus on fairness, equity, and the protection of both workers and Te Tiriti commitments across Aotearoa.
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