Willie Jackson’s Speech: A Call to Action for Labour Members on the Treaty Principles Bill

Labour leader Chris Hipkins summed it up well, saying he thought middle New Zealand didn’t want to see the country go backwards when it comes to “relationships that we’ve got around the Treaty”. This sentiment was echoed by Willie Jackson, who delivered a passionate speech to his party members on the importance of supporting the Treaty Principles Bill.

**A Call for Unity**

Jackson’s address aimed to reassure Labour members that their position on the Treaty Principles Bill was clear and unchanged. He emphasized that the bill was not about “capturing” Māori voices but rather about supporting the opposition against the kaupapa, or principle, of justice and principle.

“We haven’t been captured by anybody,” Jackson said. “The Treaty Principles is a kaupapa of principle and justice… We continue to support the opposition against that kaupapa.”

**A Divisive Period in Race Relations**

Jackson’s speech came as part of a broader debate on the Treaty Principles Bill, which aims to overhaul New Zealand’s relationship with its indigenous people. The bill has been met with significant resistance from some Māori groups, who argue it does not go far enough to address historical injustices.

However, Jackson argued that middle New Zealand was actually proud of the progress made as a country and saw that this government was creating the most divisive period in race relations that they had seen in a generation. He believed that Labour’s position on the bill was clear and unchanged.

“We are not for or against the Treaty Principles Bill,” Jackson said. “We are for the principles of justice and principle… We need to make our members feel comfortable about our position with regards to Māori.”

**A Call to Action**

Jackson’s speech ended with a call to action, urging Labour members to be with their constituents so that they could be the next government.

“We need to make our members feel comfortable about our position with regards to Māori,” Jackson said. “We need to work constructively and in harmony for the benefit of the nation.”

**National’s Response**

When approached for comment, a National spokesperson said: “Willie Jackson was part of a government directly responsible for declining outcomes for Māori… Under Labour, Māori health outcomes and educational achievement went backwards, Māori were disproportionately the victims of rising crime rates, and households were slammed by high inflation caused by their economic mismanagement.”

National’s position on the Treaty Principles Bill is clear and unchanged, with the party agreeing to support the bill to Select Committee but not to become law.

In conclusion, Willie Jackson’s speech marked an important moment in Labour’s debate on the Treaty Principles Bill. As the party moves forward, it is crucial that they continue to listen to Māori voices and work towards a more inclusive and equitable relationship with their indigenous people.