Labour acknowledges today's Waitangi Tribunal’s findings and recommendations and will commit to genuine partnership with Māori in education.

“If you’re making decisions that affect Māori, you should do it in partnership with Māori. It’s an appalling state of affairs that National has to be reminded of this basic principle,” Labour’s Associate Education (Māori) spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.

"The report, released today, has identified a number of Te Tiriti breaches throughout National’s politicised curriculum changes. This includes the Government proceeding with its ideological changes without engaging with Māori and failing to provide evidence it would reduce Māori inequities.

“When it’s found that the Minister has breached the Treaty, that shows there is something seriously wrong with how educational changes have been made.

“We are heartened that the Tribunal has recognised the work that went into the curriculum refresh under Labour to address an education system that has historically failed Māori and their call for a return to this genuine partnership.

“It’s sad that the trust between the Crown and Māori has been eroded and our hard-fought gains have been lost.

 
“Labour will work in genuine partnership to enable greater Māori leadership over Māori education. That is our commitment,” Willow-Jean Prime said.