Full Breakdown
Horseback Hikoi Carries Treaty Petition to New Zealand Parliament
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated chair Bayden Barber is leading a horseback hikoi that began at Waimarama and is traveling through Hawke’s Bay, across the Remutaka Range and into Wellington. The riders are delivering a petition that asks Parliament not to remove, weaken, or amend references to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) in existing legislation. The convoy is expected to arrive at the Beehive, where the petition will be presented to Ikaroa-Rawhiti MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel before being taken into the House.
Background & Context
The protest coincides with the National-New Zealand First coalition government’s review of Treaty references across a range of statutes. The government argues the changes will create consistency and legal certainty, while the Waitangi Tribunal has criticised the reforms and called for a pause. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has rejected the Tribunal’s request to halt the process.
Data & Statistics
- The petition carried by the hikoi contains more than 52,000 signatures.
- The review targets multiple pieces of legislation, including mental-health and education statutes.
- The legislation is not expected to pass before the 7 November election, leaving its final fate to the next Parliament (Waatea, NZ Herald).
Official Statements & Responses
He framed the changes as a means to improve predictability in the law. The coalition government has indicated it will meet with the protesters, subject to scheduling constraints.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They could have just picked up the phone; they didn’t have to ride all the way from Hastings,” — Paul Goldsmith, justice minister
- “We certainly hear their point of view and they are very perfectly welcome to protest as much as they like. But there has been lots of consultation around this and there will be more to go.” — Tama Potaka
- “Over the last 30 or 40 years, Parliament has made all sorts of references to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Sometimes it’s ‘honour’, or ‘have regard to’, or ‘give effect to’, or ‘take into account’,” — Paul Goldsmith, justice minister
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Signature count: NZ Herald reports “more than 52,000” signatures, while Waatea’s coverage does not specify a number, leaving the exact total unconfirmed.
- Legislative timeline: Both outlets agree the reforms are unlikely to be enacted before the 7 November election, but no detailed schedule for the review’s completion is provided.
- Petition handling: Waatea notes the petition will be presented to MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel before entering the House; NZ Herald does not mention this procedural step.
What’s Next
The hikoi is slated to reach Parliament later today, where the petition will be formally submitted. The coalition government has signalled willingness to meet with the protesters, though a meeting date has not been set. With the 7 November election looming, the outcome of the Treaty-reference review will be a key issue for voters, particularly Maori rangatahi and whanau encouraged by the hikoi to participate in the ballot.