Labour will restore Mana Whakahono ā Rohe (iwi participation) agreements in resource management legislation, Labour's Māori-Crown relations spokesperson Willie Jackson said. 

“Despite Christopher Luxon saying in 2024 that his government will 'honour the Treaty', National has spent three years systematically stripping Māori out of decision-making that directly impacts Māori interests. Labour will put them back. 

"The Waikato River iwi in their joint letter to Chris Bishop, made it clear that stripping out iwi partnership provisions is a direct breach of Treaty settlements. Five river iwi chairs are telling this Government that its RMA reforms breach the Crown's obligations. National is not listening, Labour is. 

"Not only does this represent a betrayal of good faith, but it also undermines years of work aimed at improving the health of the Waikato River from further environmental degradation. 

“Labour is committed to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. That means a government that acts in good faith, not promise one thing and do something completely different. 

“There was a time when the Prime Minister's word meant something, but Christopher Luxon cannot be trusted. Māori cannot afford another three years of a National government taking us backwards," Willie Jackson said.