Government faces ‘mistrust and scepticism’ at Rātana Pā

Thursday, 25 January 2024

“Another liar, all liars” a woman remarked walking through a group of government ministers and MPs waiting to be welcomed onto Rātana Pā; the first barbs of an at-times frosty reception for the coalition government.

The small settlement in Rangitikei, south of Whanganui, hosted politicians from across the House at the annual event which doubled as the second opportunity for te ao Māori to gather discuss the government’s approach to the Treaty of Waitangi.

“With some people trying to rewrite the words and intent of the treaty, we won’t sit idly by and let that happen without a fight,” Kiingitanga spokesperson Rahui Papa said.

He also labelled the coalition government a “three-headed taniwha” and said there was “mistrust and scepticism” towards it.

It was one of several speeches where Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was challenged for his government’s rhetoric and record at the event, celebrating the birth of Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana, prophet and founder of the te haahi Rātana (the Rātana church).

The Church has deep political ties to the Labour Party, but politicians of all stripes attend the celebrations, as did Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the Māori king.

Speakers during their whaikorero towards MPs from Labour and the Green’s, said the government was their shared enemy.

Later in the day, while addressing Luxon, National and New Zealand First MPs, speakers challenged the government for its proposed Treaty Principles Bill. NZ First MP Shane Jones and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters were also booed during their address.

It comes after nearly 10,000 travelled to Ngāruawāhia, in the Waikato, answering a call from Kiingi Tuuheitia for a Te Hui-a-motu, or national unity hui, the first of three key political events in te ao Māori this year - including Rātana and Waitangi Day celebrations - where the government’s approach to Māori was a focal issue.

Luxon said his party backs an “aeration of the issues” around the Treaty of Waitangi principles through the six-month select committee process - but has given no “political support” to ACT’s proposed Bill. However he wouldn’t guaratantee the Bill would not go further in the legislative process.

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins said the government’s stance would “encourage, foster and enable racism in New Zealand and we should call it out for what it is”.

Hipkins also conceded his party bring non-Māori New Zealanders on board with its policies.

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson was also hugely concerned with the proposed Bill and said Luxon would not be able to bridge divisions with Māori after letting it go to select committee.

Luxon, speaking to Rātana, affirmed his commitment to Māori progress and said New Zealanders should cherish their differences. He also promised to work on solutions with Māori, but didn’t give any firm plans on this.

Papa said Māori were waiting for the “proof in the pudding”.

Luxon’s government has also been tasked with telling the Waitangi Tribunal what its plan for Māori health is, following its plans to disestablish the Māori Health Authority within 100 days. It has until the end of January to do so.