Wellington Bishops’ Stand with Parata Whānau in Rejecting Treaty Principles Bill

Bishops’ Justin and Anashuya joined Shane Parata and Kahu o Te Rangi Ropata in presenting their opposition on behalf of Ngā Uri o Wī Te Kākākura Parata to the Treaty Principles Bill last Friday

 “Bishop Justin and I are very grateful for the generosity of Ngā Uri o Wī Te Kākākura for inviting us to co-present with them,” she says.

“Within such limited time constraints, we were provided space to demonstrate the relationship we have with the Parata whānau.”

In her presentation to the committee, Bishop Anashuya noted how the Diocese stands in solidarity with the Parata whānau in their opposition to the bill.

She said, “With Ngā Uri o Wī Parata and Ngāti Toa, we are exploring what true accountability and partnership look like. It is an approach that enables everyone to flourish – a process of relationship restoration that honours what was promised through Te Tiriti.”

This was affirmed by Kahu o Te Rangi Ropata (Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Pōrou), who said, (The Treaty) “has empowered Ngā Uri o Wīremu Parata and the Bishops of Wellington to develop and maintain a meaningful relationship”.

“This is the Treaty in its real working power”, he said.

Shane Parata of Ngā Uri o Wī Te Kākākura Parata, declared a united position against the Bill with the Diocese of Wellington and Ngāti Toa Rangatira.

He went on to describe the disastrous effects of the 1877 ruling of Supreme Court Judge, James Prendergast and how Prendergast’s treatment of the Treaty had created a lasting precedent, shaping New Zealand law, whereby the real and actual terms of the Treaty lost relevance and power.

Shane told the sub-committee how this had led to the creation of Treaty Principles and thereby distanced the courts and parliamentary legislation from the actual Treaty text.

Friday’s submission follows the joint statement the Bishop’s Justin and Anashuya made with the Parata Whānau and Ngāti Toa Rangatira opposing the Bill. Bishop Anashuya and Rev Rebecca Apperley were also present with the Parata whānau and Ngāti Toa Rangatira upon the First reading of the Bill to parliament in November.

A working group of Diocesan representatives is led by Bishop Justin and regularly meets with the Parata whānau and Ngati Toa Rangatira.

Bishop Anashuya shares, “Opportunities to work alongside the Parata whānau and Ngāti Toa Rangatira are evidence of the respect we hold towards one another.”

She further notes, “this relationship is an ongoing process that involves reckoning with our past, in order to bring reconciliation and build a new relationship that will endure for future generations. Ka mua, ka muri in action,” she said.