A Pākehā man who is leading a discussion on tangata tiriti at Waitangi says the coalition Government will be given enough rope to bind waka together or "hang themselves" over Māori and Treaty of Waitangi issues.
ACT leader David Seymour has consistently said the debate about the Treaty is needed and his Treaty Principles Bill would seek equality and the same treatment for all New Zealanders.
Denis O'Reilly, who is a lifetime member of Black Power, chairman of the Consultancy Advocacy and Research Trust and the Waiohiki Community Charitable Trust, spoke to 1News ahead of his hui tomorrow morning at Waitangi.
O’Reilly said the Treaty of Waitangi had been “racialised” by people like Seymour, but it was actually a “relational” document in his view.
“It’s about the indigenous people of this land, Aotearoa New Zealand, and those of us who came in later waka. We struck up a bargain, you can call it a partnership, or you can call it a coalition, I don’t care what you call it, but it was a deal and we should keep the deal.”
O'Reilly said people who came to New Zealand since that deal should want to honour that deal with the indigenous people.
“That allows me to stand here in Aotearoa, whether I’m a fresh immigrant from the Middle East – or wherever – if I’m Indian, or Irish … I’m tangata tiriti. We have our tangata whenua who have a much deeper relationship with the land.”
He said that meant all New Zealanders could “build this land together” for future generations.
O’Reilly said he had previously felt “embarrassed” as a person who was not Māori and wondered if he had a right to be here.
“I came to understand that if I kept the promise, if I kept the deal, I can stand upright.”
He said the coalition Government hadn’t “really, fully intellectually appraised” nor understood Māori issues.
“I think we should give them enough rope, and with that rope they may tie up the wakas together, or they may hang themselves, that’s their choice. So I wouldn’t be dumping on everyone too fast.”
He said ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill had “pricked” people into action.
“We should do so with good will ... we should be strong in these tumultuous times [and work] together for the good of all New Zealanders.
“We are a positive nation, we are kind people and we’re collaborative and cooperative. Here’s an opportunity for us to get the philosophy sorted out and the politics can follow that. I’m very hopeful but we need to take a stand.”
Christopher Luxon will arrive in Kerikeri today to attend the annual Iwi Chairs Forum, alongside ministers, including Seymour.
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