Te Tiriti and the Power of Te Pāti Māori, Greens and Labour

Unity for the Treaty

By Dr Harpreet Singh | drhsinghnz.substack.com | FB: @DrHSinghNZ

Unity becomes power when it rises to protect what is sacred. - Dr Harpreet Singh

Author’s Note: When Te Pāti Māori, the Greens and Labour stand together, their shared voice rises above politics and becomes a promise to Aotearoa. It carries the strength of lived experience, the heart of justice and the weight of a party shaped by generations of leadership. United, they can protect our future, stop harmful laws and remind the nation that Te Tiriti is sacred and must always lead the way.

A Moment of Deep Uncertainty

Aotearoa is standing in a fragile moment. The Treaty of Waitangi, the founding promise of partnership and respect, has been pushed into the centre of political storms again. In 2025, Parliament rejected the Treaty Principles Bill after huge public outcry, but the debate left many Māori feeling exposed and unheard. Communities marched, sang and cried together because the fear was real. They felt the ground shifting beneath their feet as the meaning of the Treaty was questioned in ways that could weaken their rights and identity.

At the same time, Te Pāti Māori leaders spoke openly about the intense pressure Māori organisations were facing. They described investigations and public suspicion that continued even when no wrongdoing was found. For many Māori, these moments felt like old wounds being reopened, reminders of how often their integrity has been doubted.

This is not just politics. It is personal. It touches whakapapa, dignity and generations of struggle.

Why These Parties Need Each Other

Te Pāti Māori, the Greens and Labour all care deeply about protecting the Treaty, even if they come from different political traditions. Te Pāti Māori has taken a bold stand by demanding a Parliamentary Commissioner for Te Tiriti who could protect the Treaty from political shifts. This call is rooted in a long history of Māori fighting to have their voices recognised and safeguarded.

Labour and the Greens have also shown they understand the importance of defending the Treaty. Labour acted to ensure fairness and respect during parliamentary debates that involved Te Pāti Māori MPs who protested the bill. In doing so, Labour acknowledged the pain and urgency felt by Māori communities.

When these parties speak together, they show the country that the Treaty is not just a political issue. It is a national taonga that deserves care, unity and love.

What Is Lost When Voices Are Divided

Recent years have shown how quickly Māori rights can be weakened when political power shifts. In 2024 and 2025, important protections were rolled back. The Māori Health Authority was removed. Māori language use in the public service was reduced. There were plans to reinterpret the Treaty itself. For many Māori, these changes felt like watching the slow unravelling of decades of hard-fought progress.

When parties concerned about Te Tiriti work separately, their influence is limited. A divided response makes it easier for governments to make changes that ignore Māori needs and silence Māori voices.

The Power of Unity

When Te Pāti Māori, the Greens and Labour unite, something powerful happens. Their shared voice becomes bigger than politics. It becomes a promise. Te Pāti Māori carries the lived experience of communities who have held tight to kōrero tuku iho despite generations of hardship. The Greens bring a deep commitment to justice and humanity. Labour brings the strength of a major party that has shaped government policy through many eras.

Together, they can push for stronger protections. Together, they can stop harmful laws. Together, they can remind Aotearoa that Te Tiriti is not optional. It is a sacred commitment that must guide the nation forward.

Choosing a Future that Honors Te Tiriti

Aotearoa is once again choosing its future. The Treaty can either be strengthened or slowly chipped away. Māori communities should not have to face this uncertainty alone. When Te Pāti Māori, the Greens and Labour stand together, they show that honouring the Treaty is not about division. It is about unity, respect and truth.

Their unity can ensure that the promises made in 1840 are not forgotten or weakened. It can ensure that future generations inherit a country that values partnership over fear and justice over convenience.

If these parties come together with courage and compassion, they can help Aotearoa move forward in a way that honours the spirit of Te Tiriti and upholds the mana of all who call this land home.