Labour Warns Māori-Crown Relations Are Collapsing

The political war over Te Tiriti o Waitangi is now bleeding directly into education policy, Māori-Crown relations and the legitimacy of the Government itself. After another critical Waitangi Tribunal report, Labour says the Coalition Government’s approach is not just divisive — it represents a fundamental breach of the partnership obligations that underpin modern Aotearoa.

The Waitangi tribunal report released today highlights how badly the Government is treating Māori-Crown relations.

“Today’s Waitangi Tribunal findings are serious, and the Government must take action. The findings show a breach of treaty principles, a reckless disregard for Māori voices, and harmful consequences lying in wait for tamariki Māori,” Labour’s spokesperson for Māori-Crown relations Willie Jackson said.

“This is about genuine partnership. The actions of this Government represent a major breach of that fundamental principle.

Labour says Māori-Crown relations are deteriorating fast

“Labour is clear: Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the bedrock of our country and every child in Aotearoa should learn about New Zealand’s history. It is vital we safeguard and ensure Te Tiriti is not scrubbed from history.

Education reforms are becoming a wider Treaty fight

“Te Tiriti o Waitangi belongs in our schools. A future Labour Government will restore that commitment back where it should be. This is extreme bad faith by this government, and it is our kids that will suffer as a result.

“Our children are a taonga and history shows there’s a high price paid when you diminish their mana. How are tamariki Māori meant to thrive, when you put them into a system devoid of protections meant to safeguard them?”

“It’s clear, that despite their rhetoric, the government simply don’t care about Māori or the Māori-Crown relationship,” Willie Jackson said.