GWC opposes the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill

Image courtesy of TogetherforTeTiriti.nz

In late 2023, following the election of a new government, GWC noted that

The extent to which the incoming government plans to dismantle the explicit commitments to te Tiriti o Waitangi across the public service is only proposed at this time, but if early moves signal the forthcoming direction, it will be all the more important for public-facing voluntary organisations, like GWC, to amplify their own commitment and to ensure that it shapes their actions.

The time for amplification is now. In 2024, GWC revised its trust deed to ensure that the charitable purposes of our organisation are supported by mātāpono | principles that uphold our commitments under Te Tiriti o Waitangi,

respecting and implementing the dual heritage of treaty partners while working to build honourable Kāwanatanga, by recognising Kotahitanga & Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

These mātāpono and our commitment to inclusion and equity compel GWC to make a submission to the Parliamentary Select Committee on the proposed Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill.

GWC has published a copy of its submission to LinkedIn to share with our social media community and will, if invited, address the Select Committee in te reo Māori and te reo Pākehā in support of its commitment.

In our submission, GWC notes that

Kotahitanga is, unity, togetherness, solidarity, collective action. The Bill does not reflect these values or the tīkanga intended within them.

We believe the principles as articulated in the Bill will be socially divisive and directly harm iwi Hapū, Māori. Furthermore, the principles as articulated will curtail GWC’s ability to act in service of our mission for equity in education and our te Tiriti-led partnerships that support this.

We will continue to honour our commitments under Te Tiriti, in partnership with tertiary institutions in Waitaha | Canterbury and through our equity fund, scholarships and awards.