A powerful coalition of iwi and education organisations has come together to oppose the Government’s decision to strip Te Tiriti o Waitangi from New Zealand’s education law.
The move follows last-minute changes to the Education and Training Act 2020, removing the clause that required school boards to “give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”
Last-Minute Changes Spark Outrage
The National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF) says it was blindsided by the amendment, which appeared after more than a year of consultation between the Government and education groups.
“These changes were never put out for consultation,” says Rāhui Papa, Chair of the Forum’s Pou Tangata. “They were introduced by the Minister after the public consultation had closed, published less than 24 hours before being rushed through Parliament—and now they look set to become law within a week.”
A United Stand
In response, the Forum has launched a nationwide petition calling on the Government to restore Te Tiriti obligations in education.
The Protect Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Education petition is backed by a broad alliance representing tens of thousands across the sector, including:
- New Zealand Educational Institute Te Riu Roa
- New Zealand Principals’ Federation
- Post Primary Teachers’ Association Te Wehengarua
- Te Akatea Māori Principals Association
- Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand
- Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa (New Zealand School Boards Association)
- Ngā Kura ā Iwi o Aotearoa
- Te Rūnanga Nui o ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa
Together, they represent 88 iwi and more than 95,000 teachers, principals, and school leaders who are standing together to defend the role of Te Tiriti in education.
Why Te Tiriti Matters in Education
Rāhui Papa says removing Te Tiriti from the Act “undermines the Government’s duty to ensure that every learner—Māori and non-Māori—thrives in an education system that honours the Māori-Crown relationship.”
He agrees with the Minister that school boards are key to student achievement, but argues that removing Te Tiriti from their responsibilities “takes away the foundation for culturally responsive education.”
“Every child in Aotearoa passes through our education system,” says Papa. “Taking Te Tiriti out of that space denies our tamariki the chance to learn about identity, belonging, and partnership. We won’t stand by while that happens.”
Have Your Say
The petition is available now on ActionStation and remains open until Tuesday 25 November. After that, it will be formally presented to Parliament.
