Key Takeaways:
- Over 1300 schools in New Zealand have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi despite the government removing the Treaty requirement from the Education and Training Act.
- The movement, led by lawyer Tania Waikato, has been met with criticism from government MPs, including Education Minister Erica Stanford and National MP Sam Uffindell.
- Stanford and Uffindell have claimed that schools are being pressured into signing statements of support for Te Tiriti, but Waikato and others have denied this, saying that the movement is organic and voluntary.
- The debate highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the government’s approach to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its implementation in schools.
- The movement has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its role in New Zealand’s education system.
Introduction to the Debate
The debate surrounding Te Tiriti o Waitangi has been a contentious issue in New Zealand, with the government’s recent decision to remove the Treaty requirement from the Education and Training Act sparking widespread criticism. Despite this, over 1300 schools have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with many more expected to follow. The movement, led by lawyer Tania Waikato, has been met with criticism from government MPs, including Education Minister Erica Stanford and National MP Sam Uffindell. However, Waikato and others have denied claims that schools are being pressured into signing statements of support, saying that the movement is organic and voluntary.
The Government’s Position
Education Minister Erica Stanford has stated that while the Treaty requirement is being removed from legislation, schools are still welcome to uphold Te Tiriti if they wish. However, she has also claimed that some principals have felt pressured into signing statements of support, describing the behavior as "disgusting". Stanford’s comments have been echoed by National MP Sam Uffindell, who has alleged that unions are "standing over principals" to pressure them into signing. However, Waikato has rejected these claims, saying that the movement is driven by schools, boards, and principals’ associations, rather than unions.
The Movement’s Response
Waikato has said that the list of schools supporting Te Tiriti o Waitangi is voluntary and that no school has been forced to sign. She has also noted that the statements from schools are not anti-government, but rather a reaffirmation of their commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Waikato has compared the criticism from Stanford and Uffindell to ACT leader David Seymour’s earlier suggestion that thousands of submissions opposing the Regulatory Standards Bill were written by "bots". She has also said that the comments from Stanford and Uffindell are "concerning" and do not reflect the reality of the situation.
The Significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The debate surrounding Te Tiriti o Waitangi highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the government’s approach to the Treaty and its implementation in schools. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is New Zealand’s founding document, and its principles are seen as essential to the country’s identity and values. The Treaty requires the government to work in partnership with Māori to ensure that they have equal outcomes and opportunities. However, the government’s decision to remove the Treaty requirement from the Education and Training Act has been seen as a step backwards by many. The movement to reaffirm support for Te Tiriti o Waitangi is seen as a way for schools to demonstrate their commitment to the Treaty and its principles.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The debate surrounding Te Tiriti o Waitangi is likely to continue, with many schools and communities continuing to reaffirm their commitment to the Treaty. The government’s approach to Te Tiriti o Waitangi will be closely watched, with many calling for a more nuanced and respectful approach to the Treaty and its implementation. As the movement continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more schools and communities speaking out in support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and calling for a greater commitment to the Treaty and its principles. Ultimately, the outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the future of New Zealand’s education system and the country’s relationship with its indigenous people.
