The Treaty Principles Bill failed, but the Coalition’s slow removal of Māori identity continues
Image: ACT leader David Seymour’s defeated Treaty Principles Bill with the wider concern that Māori language, Treaty obligations and cultural recognition are being steadily weakened through Government policy. (Supplied)
Some very valid points about the approach, and the way Māori culture is being subtly eroded in our public institutions. The further marginalisation of Māori people concerns me. I’d love to see a more discussion about what it truly means to take the Treaty into account rather than just redefining it in ways that suit the status quo.
These smaller changes the government is pushing through are just as insidious as Seymour’s failed bill, only they’re sneakier.
A compelling case for the Coalition’s ongoing erosion of Māori identity, which is a disturbing trend that needs to be highlighted.
The Government’s subsequent efforts to weaken Māori influence are indeed problematic.
Examples of public agencies being pressured to use English names first and the recent changes to the Government’s bilingual identity are silly, and they illustrate the Coalition’s priorities all too clearly. L.O.L.
The Coalition’s actions are a continuation of the campaign to weaken Māori identity, despite the failure of the treaty Principles Bill. It’s weird to see them pushing Māori names behind English ones… this selective approach to using Māori culture – showcasing it for tourist purposes while stripping it from law and institutions – is a case of cultural tokenism I think so.
I think a more measured approach is required in critiquing the Government’s policies. The claim that the Coalition is being ‘cynical’ may not be entirely fair, as the intention behind the amendments appears to be improving consistency and clarity in the way Treaty references are made across different laws. However, it is also clear that these changes do have an impact on the representation and influence of Māori culture in public institutions.
In my opinion focus on the actual effects of the amendments, rather than making assumptions about the Coalition’s motivations.
The fact that Māori culture is being used for tourism purposes , while being diminished in other areas, does seem like a contradictory approach.
It is gratifying to see the overwhelming rejection of the Treaty Principles Bill by our Parliament. The 307,000 submissions lodged against the guy’s attempt to redefine the principles of Te Tiriti is a clear message the nation will not stand idly by while the Treaty’s significance is diminished.