The Threat of the Regulatory Standards Bill to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori Rights: Three Key Facts and Urgent Call for Equity
The proposed Regulatory Standards Bill is causing uproar among Māori advocates and community leaders, who warn that it poses a direct threat to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori rights. The bill, currently under consideration by the Ministry for Regulation, has sparked concerns about its potential to further entrench systemic inequities faced by Māori.
Māori advocates are urging the rejection of the bill, arguing that it promotes a flawed concept of “equality” that ignores the unique challenges and disparities experienced by Māori. Instead, they are calling for legislation that honors Te Tiriti and ensures equity for all.
Lady Tureiti Moxon, a prominent advocate for Māori health, education, and justice, has spoken out against the bill, highlighting the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism on Māori communities. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the difference between equality and equity, pointing out that Māori have long been disadvantaged by systemic discrimination embedded in laws and policies.
The proposed bill, which seeks to establish principles for creating laws and regulations in New Zealand, has drawn criticism for prioritizing “equality” over equity. Māori advocates argue that this approach risks undermining the principles of Te Tiriti and perpetuating existing disparities in health, education, and justice outcomes for Māori.
In light of these concerns, Māori advocates are calling on the Government to listen to their voices, acknowledge the historical injustices faced by Māori, and uphold the rights guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. They stress the importance of building a future based on justice, equity, and respect for all New Zealanders.
As the debate over the Regulatory Standards Bill continues, the call for a fair and just future that honors the covenant of Te Tiriti remains at the forefront of the discussion. It is a critical moment for Aotearoa to uphold its commitments and ensure that Māori rights are protected and respected.
