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Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira chief executive Helmut Modlik does not think ACT leaders will accept his challenge.
photo: Alicia Scott – Photographer
Wellington Maori Ngāti Toa Rangatira asks ACT party leader Treaty Principles Repeal Act or engage in public debate.
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira chief executive Helmut Modlik says David Seymour’s calls for New Zealanders to have a national conversation about the Treaty of Waitangi are a sham.
Modlick said he hoped to accept Seymour’s challenge and organise a public debate between the two leaders in Porirua, but he did not expect the offer would be accepted.
David Seymour
photo: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone
“I am disappointed in David’s divisive comments. Either stop the farce surrounding national dialogue and debate and reject the Treaty Principles Bill now, or let’s have a public debate about the treaty’s relevance in the 21st century,” he said.
Earlier this week Cold Flower Celebration In Ngāruawaāhia, both ACT coalition partners have committed to No first reading vote on the Treaty Principles Bill.
Modlick said since no other party supported the bill, it was time for the PAP to abandon it.
Seymour, who dislikes the national conversation in favor of news voices, curated messages and social media posts, says his cause is amplified by a host of affiliated political lobbies and ideological supporters.
“The message being made public by David and his supporters is one-sided and unfair. That’s why I am responding to his challenge for a national dialogue and seeking a public debate, which we are happy to host in Porirua.”
Modrick said he wanted to discuss how the Treaty of Waitangi could be dealt with in a meaningful way in the 21st century that would unite the people of New Zealand.
“I have accepted Seymour’s tacit invitation to participate in a national discussion and debate, and I look forward to engaging with him in that discussion and debate so that we can truly put both sides of the argument before our community and the nation.
“One of the things I’m grateful for Seymour and his coalition is that by ruthlessly reversing decades of truth and reconciliation, they have catalyzed a level of unity that is perhaps unique in our history.”
David Seymour said in a statement that he agreed with Modlick that we need to have a national conversation about our founding document.
“The purpose of the Treaty Principles Act is to protect the right of all New Zealanders to have a say in the future of our country.
“There will be ample opportunities across the country to have these conversations in the coming months. Helmut has as much right to be a part of this process as anyone, and I look forward to hearing his views.”
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