Full Breakdown
University of Auckland Defends Professor’s Academic Freedom Amid ACT MP Criticism
7/29/2026, 4:57:50 AM
Core Event
Act Party tertiary-education spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar publicly condemned Professor Dunworth’s remarks on the proposed Treaty of Waitangi Principles Bill, alleging the professor “twisted or distorted” facts. The University of Auckland responded by affirming that Dunworth’s comments, made during a LAW121G lecture, are protected under academic freedom. The university noted that academic staff may express opinions on controversial topics as part of their teaching role. Dunworth declined to comment when approached by the Herald.
Background
The Treaty of Waitangi Principles Bill seeks to codify the principles of the Treaty into New Zealand law. The proposal has drawn criticism from activists, lawyers and the Waitangi Tribunal, who argue it could undermine established Treaty interpretations. Act Party leader David Seymour has previously pledged to remove references to the Treaty’s principles from legislation, describing them as “nonsense.”
Official Responses
The spokesperson linked this protection to the university’s role as “critic and conscience of society” under the Education and Training Act.
Criticism from ACT MP
Parmar argued that the professor’s statements were factually inaccurate. Parmar also suggested that Dunworth should clarify her remarks, noting that many students view professors as credible sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You can debate or compete any ideas, that’s totally fine. You could challenge any views, that’s totally fine. You can discuss any controversial topics. But you should not be twisting or distorting any facts; that is wrong.” — Waitangi Tribunal. Parmar, tertiary education spokesperson
- “We definitely support free speech and academic freedom, but academic freedom does not mean freedom to misrepresent facts. That’s the main problem here.” — Waitangi Tribunal. Parmar, tertiary education spokesperson
