Summarised by Centrist
In his recent state of the nation address, the ACT Party‘s associate minister of justice, David Seymour, touched on many topics, including the introduction of the Treaty Principles.
Seymour’s fundamental question regarding the Treaty of Waitangi: whether it establishes a partnership between races or guarantees the same rights and duties for all. He asserted that the latter view promotes equality and individual value.
Seymour explained that the Treaty Principles Bill seeks to interpret the Treaty according to its Māori text. He emphasises the government’s right to govern in Article 1. In Article 2, in the Māori text, tino rangatiratanga or self-determination literally applies to everyone, not just Māori. The third article backs up the second, which says all have the same rights and duties.
Seymour calls out those who cry racism or threaten violence for simply disagreeing over how the Treaty is interpreted.
“The Treaty fits on one page and we can all read it. Everyone is allowed to hold and express an opinion,” he says.
