Te Pāti Māori is condemning today’s announcement by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith to strip or weaken Te Tiriti o Waitangi references across 19 pieces of legislation.

“This is not policy reform. It is constitutional vandalism.”

After failing to redefine Te Tiriti through the Treaty Principles Bill, the Government is now dismantling it clause by clause through legislative review instead. Different vehicle. Same destination.

Among the most aggressive changes are the repeal of Te Tiriti provisions in health, climate, mental health and education legislation, areas where Māori already face entrenched inequity.

Reducing Te Tiriti obligations to merely “take into account” fundamentally undermines partnership and allows the Crown to tick the box and carry on regardless.

They may hold power in this term of Parliament, but they do not hold the authority to erase Te Tiriti.

Every step this Government takes strips away more of the constitutional grounding that protects our people and our taiao.

When this Government moves to erase Te Tiriti, Te Pāti Māori will be there to entrench it.

© Scoop Media