A future Labour Government will restore the commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Aotearoa New Zealand’s schooling system.

“Today, I have submitted my members bill, the Education and Training (Upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi) Amendment Bill, to reinstate the obligation for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Labour spokesperson for Māori education Willow Jean Prime said.

“Schools have been clear: honouring Te Tiriti in education matters. It helps create inclusive schools where every child feels valued, respected, and reflected in the classroom.

“Labour will reverse the damage this Government has done to Māori education. We will restore a clear legal commitment to Te Tiriti in our schools, and this bill is the first step.

“Schools are tired of the Government’s attacks on Māori education – from cutting support for teachers learning te reo Māori, then it was removing books with Te Reo words, and eventually they came for Te Tiriti.

“Māori have fought hard for equity, and we cannot afford to go backwards.

“We'll work in partnership with schools, kura and communities so that commitments to Te Tiriti in law translate into real change in classrooms, which mean better resources, stronger local partnerships, and more confidence for teachers.

“Labour is clear: Te Tiriti o Waitangi belongs in our schools. A future Labour Government will restore that commitment back where it belongs,” Willow-Jean Prime said.