Treaty Principles Bill Passes First Reading, Promises Debate on Foundational Document

Associate Justice Minister David Seymour urges Kiwis to join six-month public debate on the Treaty Principles Bill, aiming to define principles and ensure equal rights for all New Zealanders.

Associate Justice Minister David Seymour has announced that the Treaty Principles Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament, opening the door for a comprehensive public debate on the role and definition of Treaty principles in New Zealand law. The Bill has been referred to the Justice Committee for a six-month review, where New Zealanders from all backgrounds are invited to share their views on the Treaty’s place in modern governance.

“I am eager to see what New Zealanders have to say about the Treaty Principles Bill during the select committee process,” Minister Seymour said. "This is a historic opportunity for everyday Kiwis to weigh in on a national conversation that has, until now, largely been directed by judges, public officials, academics, and politicians.”

The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, is a foundational document in New Zealand’s history, and its principles have been referenced in law since the Treaty of Waitangi Act of 1975. However, Seymour noted, these principles have not been explicitly defined by Parliament, allowing the courts and the Waitangi Tribunal to interpret them. This interpretative role has led to policies like co-governance in public services, ethnic quotas in institutions, and requirements for consultation based on background, which Seymour argues could conflict with the principle of equal rights for all citizens.

"The purpose of the Treaty Principles Bill is to bring certainty and clarity by giving Parliament the role of defining the Treaty principles, thereby providing a clear framework for their application in future legislation,” Seymour explained. He emphasized that the Bill is not intended to change the Treaty itself but to guide the interpretation of relevant laws in a way that respects the Treaty’s foundational commitment to equal rights and protection for all New Zealanders.

Seymour called the Bill a significant step toward democratic engagement with New Zealand’s constitutional framework. "The Treaty of Waitangi is not just a historical document; it is a guiding force for the country’s future," he said, "one that should affirm that all New Zealanders have equal rights and that the government has a duty to protect those rights." He expressed hope that defining the principles in law would prevent further divergence between judicial interpretation and the public's view on Treaty-related issues.

By clarifying these principles, Seymour argues, the Bill seeks to promote equality before the law and support a unified vision for New Zealand’s future. "I believe in tino rangatiratanga for all New Zealanders — the right to self-determination — and the right to be treated equally before the law. The Treaty Principles Bill would ensure that we can progress as one people, with one set of rights.”

Seymour also highlighted that the Bill will not alter any current Treaty settlements, which are set to remain intact under the current legal framework. During the six-month public review period, the Justice Committee will seek feedback from Māori leaders, academics, legal experts, and New Zealanders across the nation to ensure a well-rounded discourse.

In this extended national conversation, Seymour hopes New Zealanders will consider how the Treaty principles can be interpreted in a way that respects both historical significance and modern governance needs. “The Treaty is, and should remain, a unifying document that reflects our shared values and aspirations as a nation. This Bill provides an opportunity to redefine that vision for a cohesive, equitable New Zealand.”