Waikato iwi leader Tukoroirangi Morgan has made an impassioned speech today at the Koroneihana celebrations for King Tūheitia, calling out Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his coalition partners for demolishing Māori policy and achievement, and rolling back 50 years of iwi relations with the Crown.
In the presence of the king and other political parties and leaders, Morgan made specific reference to ACT Party leader David Seymour — who was not in attendance — and the controversial proposed Treaty Principles Bill.
"We have one word to say to David Seymour: You can run and hide but we will always be here."
The controversial bill was widely discussed as politicians arrived at Tūrangawaewae marae. (Source: 1News)
Seymour told 1News he had received an invitation in May to the Koroneihana celebrations but declined to attend as "my time's probably better spent working here on policies rather than trekking to Ngāruawāhia".
Asked whether he was scared to front up after the Waitangi Tribunal's report into his party's proposed bill, Seymour replied: "I didn't know about the Waitangi Tribunal report, but I made the decision back in May."
Morgan also brought up the National Party's shared history with Tūrangawaewae Marae, recalling 29 years ago when the then-prime minister and National leader Jim Bolger signed the Tainui Treaty settlement in 1995.
"Prime Minister Bolger came here to this marae and signed a historic raupatu settlement. The first settlement in this country … and made a solemn commitment that he would honour an agreement with trust and confidence," he said.
He said when Bolger embraced the late Māori queen Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu, Māori knew that the agreement would be honoured.
"Twenty-nine years on and we come to this moment. Since January this year we have watched the Government wrecking ball demolish Māori policy, Māori achievement, and it rolled back 50 years of iwi relations with the Crown."
National voters were more likely to think the Government was reducing tensions, while Green and Labour supporters were more likely to say the coalition was raising them. (Source: 1News)
Morgan spoke directly to the Prime Minister who sat on the mahau (porch) of the wharenui between the king's daughter, Te Puhi Ariki Ngā wai hono i te pō Paki, and Kīngitanga spokesperson Rukumoana Schaafhausen.
He referred to recent policies impacting te reo Māori, section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki act, Three Waters bill, Māori wards, the disestablishment of the Māori Health Authority, and the Marine and Coastal Area legislation (often mentioned as the Foreshore and Seabed).
"All of those achievements were wrapped up in partnership with our people, and your government has turned its back on Māori who believe that, actually, there is honour in the Crown.
"And we are here to send a clear message to you and to your government. We will not go quietly into the night.
"And as our old people have said in Ōrākau, ka whaiwhai tonu mātou, ake, ake, ake (We will continue to fight, always and forever)."
Morgan then sought reassurances from both Luxon and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters that the Treaty Principles Bill would only go as far as the first reading.
Tukoroirangi Morgan speaking at Tūrangawaewae Marae. (Source: Te Karere)
In his own speech, which followed all other party leader speeches and concluded formalities on the marae ātea, the Prime Minister said he was committed to improving outcomes for "Māori and non-Māori".
"I stand here today ready to listen and to work alongside you as you suggested, and to build a strong and respectful relationship, and most importantly, to deliver outcomes for all Kiwis — Māori and non-Māori."
Luxon said that there will be times "when our differences seem to outweigh our shared commitment and common goals".
"Many of you here have raised those concerns and I am acutely aware of them.
Poll: Just 10% think Govt's policies reducing racial tensions
ACT's leader, who has led to charge on the Treaty Principles Bill, says the numbers ultimately reflected how people perceived the previous government.
6:41pm
5:16
'Take a stand, Christopher': Calls for PM to kill Treaty Principles Bill
National's support for the bill at first reading is part of the National - ACT coalition agreement.
Fri, Aug 16
4:36
Treaty Principles Bill a 'politically motivated attack' – Waitangi Tribunal
The Waitangi Tribunal's highly-anticipated interim report into the policy has been released today, following an urgent inquiry in May.
Fri, Aug 16
"Over the coming months, and indeed, years, our relationship will be tested as it has been many times before. And at times it will be tense because our relationship has always been based on respect, but not always agreement.
"But I want to be clear today that the National Party will not support the Treaty Principles Bill beyond first reading."
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
