Over 1,000 Schools in Aotearoa Commit to Te Tiriti O Waitangi

More than 1,000 schools in Aotearoa have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, despite the New Zealand Government’s recent decision to remove the Treaty obligation from the Education and Training Act. As of November 21, 1,007 schools have signed onto Te Rārangi Rangatira, a growing list showcasing formal commitments from boards, kura, and principals’ associations across the country.

Lawyer Tania Waikato, who is compiling the statements, describes the influx of support as a clear demonstration of unity among educational institutions. According to Layla Bailey-McDowell of RNZ, Waikato noted, “Everything this government is doing to try and remove Te Tiriti from that conversation is being resisted.” She characterized the response as a “grassroots backlash” and a “wonderful expression of kotahitanga,” or togetherness.

Waikato compared the wave of school statements to the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti, asserting that educational leaders are firmly rejecting the notion that New Zealand is divided on Treaty matters. “The vast majority of people want to get on with teaching the children and ensuring that they have a good education system to do that in,” she explained.

The letters arriving daily reflect a profound commitment to the relationships kura have built with mana whenua and the ongoing efforts to embed Te Tiriti principles into local curricula. Many schools refer to the Treaty as a “founding constitutional document,” essential for grounding teaching frameworks in Aotearoa’s history. Waikato cautions that the removal of the statutory requirement could “undermine equity and clarity” for whānau, emphasizing that schools intend to continue their commitments regardless of legislative changes.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour responded by rejecting claims that the Government is imposing restrictions on schools. He stated that boards remain free to teach about Te Tiriti, asserting, “I have some disappointing news for them. They’re not rebelling against the evil government because Parliament hasn’t banned them from teaching about the Treaty.” Seymour added that schools must focus on cultural diversity while maintaining academic achievement as a primary goal.

In contrast to Seymour’s comments, Waikato argued that his views demonstrate a disconnect from the reality facing many educational institutions. “Some of the schools on the list are among the largest in the country… It’s offensive to imply they don’t matter,” she said.

The Auckland Primary Principals’ Association (APPA), which represents 428 principals, has formally objected to the legislative change. They stated, “Te Tiriti is not an optional extra. It is our foundational constitutional document,” cautioning that the removal of the obligation allows some schools to step back from essential commitments. The APPA has urged the Minister to reverse the amendment, contending that legislation sets expectations, protects progress, and ensures equity across the motu.

In an email to the educational sector, Education Minister Erica Stanford emphasized that the Government’s priority is to enhance educational achievement. She insisted that school boards should not be held legally accountable for implementing the Treaty and reiterated that the Crown remains responsible for Treaty commitments. Stanford stated that boards will instead focus on achieving equitable outcomes for Māori learners, access to te reo Māori, and culturally diverse policies, asserting, “We’re raising Māori achievement, which is a core tenet of our Treaty obligation.”

The collective response from over 1,000 schools in Aotearoa signals a powerful commitment to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, highlighting the ongoing importance of this foundational document in New Zealand’s educational landscape. The developments illustrate a vibrant discourse on cultural commitment and educational equity, reflecting a significant moment in the ongoing journey of reconciliation and partnership between the Crown and Māori.