Aotearoa should be a place where everyone, regardless of their background, is respected and part of a vibrant connected community. Where everyone feels a sense of belonging and knows their children will feel the same. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the blueprint to making this future a reality. It guides us to live peacefully and respectfully together so that everyone can thrive.
It came as a shock when in November 2025 the Government announced that they would be removing section 127(2)(e) which requires schools to give effect to the treaty.
The National Iwi Chairs Forum, representing 88 iwi across Aotearoa, immediately took action to protect Te Tiriti in our schools and for our tamariki, and started a petition calling for the immediate reversal of the amendments. Over 22,000 people supported the petition and over 1,800 schools wrote letters in support of protecting Te Tiriti in their schools.
These numbers show that the tide is turning in support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Schools are at the heart of our communities, and they know what is best for the future of our country. Parents, teachers and families have sent a strong signal that grounding our schools in Te Tiriti benefits our children.