Title: New Zealand’s Justice Committee Faces Challenges as They Delve into Treaty Principles Bill Debate

New Zealand’s Justice Committee Faces Challenges as They Delve into Treaty Principles Bill Debate

The Members of Parliament (MPs) on Parliament’s justice select committee are gearing up for a potentially contentious task ahead, with the impending scrutiny of the Treaty Principles Bill. This bill, championed by ACT Party leader David Seymour, could prove to be a test for the eleven MPs from across the political spectrum.

The Composition of the Committee

• Eleven MPs from various parties will be tasked with reading, hearing, and reporting back on submissions from the six-month-long select committee.
• Seven of these MPs are in their first term in Parliament, offering less experience on the committee.
• The remaining four include Labour’s three representatives – Ginny Andersen and Duncan Webb, who have been in office since 2017, and David Clark, who has been an MP since 2011. The fourth member is Chris Bishop from the National Party.

Potential Controversies

The Treaty Principles Bill has sparked controversy, with protesters marching against it in Auckland’s Newmarket. The bill aims to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, as a partnership rather than a treaty.

The Role of Prime Minister Chris Luxon

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has maintained that his party, New Zealand First, will withdraw their support for the bill once it returns from the committee. Reversing this stance would be a significant political U-turn for Luxon, who has shown no signs of softening on the issue.

The Future of the Bill

Seymour has started to temper his optimism about the bill’s chances of passing this term, instead focusing on initiating a national conversation about the Treaty principles. He maintains that the bill will pass at some point in the future.

The Role of Protest

Once the bill heads to select committee next week, Luxon will be absent for both its introduction and first reading. However, he has promised to be in Wellington when a hīkoi (protest march) against the legislation arrives at Parliament’s doorstep the following week.

The question remains whether Luxon will face the protestors and address their concerns directly.

Implications for New Zealand Politics

The debate surrounding the Treaty Principles Bill promises to be a significant event in New Zealand politics, potentially reshaping the nation’s understanding of its founding document and sparking further discussions about race relations and national identity.

Conclusion

As the justice select committee delves into the Treaty Principles Bill, the nation awaits the outcome of this contentious debate. The bill’s passage could have significant implications for New Zealand politics and race relations.