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 fortamarikiMāori,” Labour’s spokesperson for Māori-Crown relations,” Willie Jackson said.

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

“Labour is clear:TeTiritio Waitangiis the bedrock of our country andevery child in Aotearoa shouldlearn about New Zealand’shistory. It is vital we safeguard and ensure TeTiritiis not scrubbed from history.

“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 showsthere’sa high price paid when you diminish their mana. How aretamarikiMāori meant to thrive, when you put them into a system devoid of protections meant to safeguard them?”

“It’sclear, that despite their rhetoric,thegovernment simplydon’tcare about Māori or the Māori-Crown relationship,” Willie Jacksonsaid.

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