Mahuta Nanaia: Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Deletion Bill — First Reading 
Mahuta Nanaia: Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Deletion Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:626;Page:21174] 
NANAIA MAHUTA (Labour—Tainui) 
: 
 Most people listening to the debate tonight know that election time is here and that opportunity knocks on Parliament’s doors tonight. This bill is nothing more than an election platform for two likely coalition buddies that just cannot bring themselves to an agreement before the election—that might not look so good and people might remember what happened the last time they shacked up. Or is it really about New Zealand First taking up territory once held by National and becoming the real Opposition? 
Labour does not support this bill. Labour knows that this is an electioneering stunt aimed to scratch the edges of our communities. It will not bring people together but will polarise New Zealanders. It is wedge politics and we will have none of it. 
When the fourth Labour Government set out the principles in 1989 they were not intended in and of themselves to be incorporated into legislation. That is as true today as it was then. Instead the principles act as a guide to the Government in order to give practical expression to what was meant when the treaty was signed and more important to what it could mean in very practical ways today. 
Each generation has debated and argued the virtues and pitfalls of the treaty. Ironically some of the strongest opponents many of whom are Maori are now the people who are most seeking a place in this very House. I wonder why. But let me say this. Labour does not intend to signal to Maori that we are walking away from commitments to better engage and uphold the principles of the treaty. We know that when the going gets tough the tough get going. A strong programme of action has been jettisoned by this Government and has at times required legislative references to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. 
Let us take section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987 for example which gives effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. It gives real opportunities for Maori and the Department of Conservation to work together. “Co-management” is not a dirty word; that thinking has been steered by the very principle of self-management. New Zealand First knows that. National wants to get rid of it supported by New Zealand First. Who will tell Ngati Wai? 
Let us take section 181(b) of the Education Act 1989 which states that the council of an institution must acknowledge the principles of the treaty. For Waikato University for example that led to the establishment of Te Roopu Manukura and a direct relationship with all iwi within the catchment of that university in order to advise and cooperate on matters of common interest such as Maori enrolments. I think that that upholds the principle of equality and decision making. 
Members should consider the principle of equality for one moment and the various ways in which the Government has tackled areas of inequality in employment health and housing. Policy initiatives from this Labour-led Government target areas where there is real need in order to make sure that everybody gets a hand up not a handout. Targeted employment initiatives population-based health funding and income-related rents better restore equality into our society for all New Zealanders—Maori and Pakeha alike—according to their needs. And New Zealand First and National want to do away with the principles of the treaty. 
Let us take for example the treaty settlements listed in this bill that include references to the treaty that help to uphold the principle of Government self-management reasonable cooperation and redress. How do New Zealand First and National intend to tell the people of Ngai Tahu Turangitukua Ngati Tama Pouakani and Te Uri o Hau? Will they say: “Sorry we’re just going to remove the references to the principles of the treaty and too bad we’re not sure what it means for your treaty settlements.”? New Zealand First want to get rid of the principles and so does National. Labour will not have a bar of it. 
Finally let us take the Maori Television Service. In upholding the principle of self-management a Labour Government has recognised that language culture and communication are important. Under a Labour Government Parliament legislated to protect the Maori language and we stand by that commitment. We are making sure that the language is broadcast on television. New Zealand First members should tell their families when they go home that they think the principles of the treaty should be removed and what that will mean for Maori television. Who knows what that will mean and who cares. That is what New Zealand First thinks not Labour. 
Labour opposes this bill. Many Maori out there know that incremental achievements made in this country have been pegged down by legislative references to principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Long should that continue under a Labour-led Government. Labour objects to this electioneering stunt and we oppose the bill.