A newly released Waitangi Tribunal report has intensified criticism of the Government’s handling of Māori-Crown relations, with Labour accusing ministers of breaching Treaty principles and failing to protect the wellbeing of tamariki Māori.
Labour’s Māori-Crown relations spokesperson Willie Jackson says the Tribunal’s findings are serious and require an urgent response from the Government.
Jackson says the report points to breaches of Treaty obligations, a disregard for Māori perspectives, and potentially damaging consequences for Māori children.
He says Te Tiriti o Waitangi remains a foundational part of Aotearoa New Zealand and argues all children should continue learning about the country’s history through the education system.
Labour says Te Tiriti has a rightful place in schools and has pledged to restore commitments around Treaty education if returned to Government.
Jackson says the current Government’s approach reflects bad faith and risks undermining protections intended to support tamariki Māori within public systems.
He says history has shown the long-term consequences of diminishing Māori identity, culture and mana, warning Māori children cannot thrive in systems that fail to uphold safeguards and partnership obligations.
The Waitangi Tribunal report is expected to add further pressure on the Government as debate continues around Māori rights, Treaty obligations and the future of Māori-Crown relations in Aotearoa.
