Example of an Individual Submission

Below is the submission from one of our founding members, Pete Watson.

Kia ora koutou

I am a 5th generation Pakeha New Zealander. My ancestors arrived in immigrant boats from the UK within months of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Their arrival, settling and producing of future generations of Pakeha that have lived and prospered in Aotearoa New Zealand were as a result of the agreements reached in the signing of Te Tiriti.

I believe the Bill is a dishonest betrayal of those agreements met in 1840 and that this Bill is stoking racism and division. This is not a genuine democratic process undertaken in good faith with both signatories involved. I agree with the recent Waitangi Tribunal report on the Bill that states the Bill 'lacked a policy imperative justifying its development, was based on flawed policy rationales, was 'novel' in its Treaty interpretations, was fashioned on a disingenuous historical narrative and distorted the text of te Tiriti o Waitangi'

The ACT party whose coalition agreement saw the inclusion of this Bill have a deluded idea that Maori are somehow privileged and this Bill will ensure all New Zealanders are treated equally under the law. I am of the view that equality in New Zealand is already guaranteed under the Bill of Rights Act 1990 and the Human Rights Act 1993 and Maori from being privileged are severely disadvantaged and suffer outrageous inequity across health, education and social outcomes.I am also strongly opposed to the Bill because of the social harm and disharmony that this brings into our community. Not only does this have a long lasting impact on social cohesion but also has an economic cost that we can ill-afford.  

I want a prosperous, inclusive and vibrant future of my children and their children and the generations to come. I am adamant that embracing and honouring Te Tiriti is fundamental to this and the Bill does nothing but tear down the progress and advances that have been made by all Governments over the last 40-50 years.

Toitū te Tiriti. Kill the Bill!

Ngā mihi nui.