The Government’s plans to limit the powers and scope of the Waitangi Tribunal is a disgrace.
“This attack on the tribunal is nothing more than an attempt to limit the accountability the Government has to Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Māori Development, Hūhana Lyndon.
“The Waitangi Tribunal plays a pivotal role in holding Aotearoa true to its founding agreement. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is something that binds us together in building a future for all of us, it is not something that should be used to drive us apart.
“Across this term, we have seen the actions of this Government trigger a record amount of urgent claims with the Waitangi Tribunal.
“Let’s be clear, this is not about improving the Waitangi Tribunal like the Minister says, it is about making it easier to trample all over Te Tiriti and punch down on tangata whenua.
“From the Treaty Principles Bill and undermining marine customary title, to the removal of 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act and now this, the assaults and insults to our founding agreement and our people have been relentless from this Government.
“Te Tiriti o Waitangi provides a place for us all in Aotearoa. It provides a layer of protection for our people and our lands. This does not suit the Government’s agenda to make the rich richer by allowing big corporations to exploit our people and abuse our environment for profit.
“We know our communities will not stand for this. We saw thousands flood the streets and submit in droves against the Treaty Principles Bill, calling for a country that acknowledges its past and strives for a better future,” says Hūhana Lyndon.
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