Summarised by Centrist
Recent polling commissioned by Hobson’s Pledge shows 62% of New Zealanders support honouring the Treaty of Waitangi, provided it upholds fundamental human rights, with only 12% disagreeing.
However, the poll also found low support (13%) for the belief that the Treaty mandates 50% Māori representation in Parliament, with only Te Pāti Māori voters expressing overall agreement.
Spokesperson Don Brash argues media coverage of Te Pāti Māori’s interpretations and activism, which he calls “radical and in the minority,” misrepresents the broader electorate’s priorities for unity and human rights.
When asked the question of what body should determine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, respondents favoured a referendum (+25% net agreement) or Parliament (+21%) over the Waitangi Tribunal (+16%) or the judiciary (+7%).
Notably, NZ First voters signalled their support for ACT’s proposed referendum on Treaty principles, while every other voting group aligned with their party’s policy. For instance, Labour supporters believe the Waitangi Tribunal should have the final say on Treaty principles.
Brash called on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to resist pressure from “activist academics and the Wellington beltway” and heed the opinions of voters who supported his government.
“New Zealanders are entitled to expect that any law, policy, or action taken by our Government should not breach fundamental human rights. It is not remotely racist to expect equal rights for us all,” he said.
