Kia ora John,

Over the weekend I gave a speech to push back against this Government’s ongoing poor choices and policies that target Māori.

The Government has reversed legislation that allows councils to introduce Māori wards, so Māori can have a voice at the table on local councils. Māori names have been removed from government departments. National dismantled Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority. And with its dreadful and dishonest Treaty Principles Bill, ACT is hoping to rewrite Te Tiriti and the history of this nation along with it.

We can be better than this.

I believe that tomorrow belongs to all of us. When we come together as a country, and lift each other up, we’re powerful, and we win.

Māori is an official language of New Zealand, New Zealand’s history is taught in schools, and by 2040 we will have one million speakers of Te Reo Māori. We celebrate Te Aō Māori, and thanks to Labour, Matariki is a public holiday.

Watch Labour Leader Chris Hipkins's speech: Bringing People Together

Our vision is that by 2040 – 200 years after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi – Kiwis will embrace our collective history and be proud of the journey we have undertaken together.

In 2040, the success of the Treaty Partnership will have delivered better housing outcomes, better health outcomes, and strong, inclusive communities. Māori organisations will have demonstrated we can have economic growth without compromising our environment, and this philosophy will make us global leaders in climate change.

To make this vision a reality in the present, join us in rejecting race-baiting, rejecting racist rhetoric, and rejecting racism.

Call it out when you see it, offer zero tolerance.

Together, we can send a message to this Government and to the world: there is no room for racism in New Zealand – not now, not ever.

Let’s make future generations proud. Let’s take deliberate action. Let’s honour Te Tiriti.

Chris Hipkins, Labour Leader
https://www.labour.org.nz/