Summarised by Centrist
According to former National leader Don Brash, Labour leader Chris Hipkins’ latest comments that “Māori did not cede sovereignty” with the Treaty, will have implications for New Zealand’s unity.
Brash is highly critical of Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins for his assertions on Māori sovereignty. Brash said that Hipkins’ statement is not only controversial but also dangerously misleading.
Hipkins clarified his stance by saying, “That doesn’t mean the Crown doesn’t have sovereignty now, but Māori didn’t cede sovereignty in signing the Treaty.”
Brash finds this contradictory, questioning Hipkins’ understanding of New Zealand’s history and its constitutional framework.
“How can Hipkins claim Māori didn’t cede sovereignty while also acknowledging the Crown’s current sovereignty?” he asks.
Brash points out that Article One of the Treaty explicitly states that Māori chiefs ceded “all the rights and powers of Sovereignty” to Queen Victoria. Brash writes that historical records, including those from the Kohimarama conference and speeches by Māori leaders, confirm that the chiefs understood they were surrendering authority to the Crown.
Brash also quotes Sir Apirana Ngata, who asserted that “Clause 1 of the Treaty handed over the mana and the sovereignty of New Zealand to Queen Victoria and her descendants forever.”
Brash warns that Hipkins’ statement could threaten national unity by creating divisions based on heritage.
“It’s time to stand firm on the principles that unite us as New Zealanders—one law for all, under one sovereign authority,” he writes.
