The parliamentary debate around the bill was tense, with Labour MP Willie Jackson being expelled after he called Seymour a "liar". Labour leader Chris Hipkins labeled the proposed bill a stain on New Zealand’s history. Hana Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke of Te Pāti Māori (the Māori Party) declared that the bill had been "annihilated," while Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson noted that the controversy had united communities in support of the Treaty. The select committee investigating the bill revealed that over 300,000 submissions had been received, marking the largest public response to a legislative proposal in New Zealand history, and the overwhelming majority were against the bill.
While the principles of the Treaty have never had formal legal definitions, they have evolved within various legislative contexts to address historical injustices faced by the Māori. The Act Party's proposal was built around three core principles: governance and legal enforcement by the New Zealand government, respect for Māori rights established in the Treaty, and equality before the law for all citizens. Proponents argued that clarifying these principles would cultivate equality and social cohesion.
Opponents, however, warned that the bill could impose detrimental effects on Māori communities and exacerbate existing social divides. Prominent Māori activist Sharon Hawke expressed concerns that the legislation could reverse decades of progress towards improving the welfare of Māori individuals. Public submissions emphasized that the bill contradicted the Treaty’s values, raised concerns regarding international law compliance, and could tarnish New Zealand's global reputation.
Supporters also voiced the need for a national conversation about the Treaty, suggesting a referendum could be beneficial. Although the Treaty Principles Bill went through its first reading with support from the ruling coalition, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had expressed disinterest in it prior to its second reading, indicating a desire to move on from the issue.
While the principles of the Treaty have never had formal legal definitions, they have evolved within various legislative contexts to address historical injustices faced by the Māori. The Act Party's proposal was built around three core principles: governance and legal enforcement by the New Zealand government, respect for Māori rights established in the Treaty, and equality before the law for all citizens. Proponents argued that clarifying these principles would cultivate equality and social cohesion.
Opponents, however, warned that the bill could impose detrimental effects on Māori communities and exacerbate existing social divides. Prominent Māori activist Sharon Hawke expressed concerns that the legislation could reverse decades of progress towards improving the welfare of Māori individuals. Public submissions emphasized that the bill contradicted the Treaty’s values, raised concerns regarding international law compliance, and could tarnish New Zealand's global reputation.
Supporters also voiced the need for a national conversation about the Treaty, suggesting a referendum could be beneficial. Although the Treaty Principles Bill went through its first reading with support from the ruling coalition, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had expressed disinterest in it prior to its second reading, indicating a desire to move on from the issue.
