Te Pāti Māori stands firm in upholding mana motuhake over our bodies, identities, and spaces. We reject unequivocally the Crown’s latest attempt to erase trans inclusion from sport. It is not only discriminatory, it is a direct continuation of colonial gender imposition.

“We reject all policies that seek to exclude our rainbow whānau from public life including sport” said Te Pāti Māori Co-leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

“Te Tiriti o Waitangi demands equity for all tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti. Government sport codes must reflect Tiriti justice not weaponised ‘fairness’. Rainbow inclusion is a human right.”

“Our whakapapa includes ira tāne, ira wāhine, and ira atua. Our duty is to uphold mana for all not to replicate the violence of Western binary systems” added Co-leader Rawiri Waititi.

“This is nothing more than dog-whistle politics a deliberate attempt to inflame colonial fear and hatred instead of fostering understanding, education, and aroha within our communities.”

Te Pāti Māori affirms that the existence, safety, and participation of our Rainbow and Takatāpui whānau are non-negotiable. We will always stand to protect the mana, rights, and whakapapa of our people.

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