KiC Advocacy
Treaty principles bill submission
Kiwis in Climate joined the chorus of opposition to this controversial bill.
January 2025
KiC strongly opposed the Treaty of Waitangi Principles Bill which sought to re-write the principles of partnership, protection, participation, and potential.
We believe that any changes to the principles would undermine Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate adaptation efforts and its ability to undertake a ‘just transition’ with Māori sovereignty and Te Ao Māori at its heart.
The Bill would have diminished Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, which in turn could have led to greater exploitation of natural resources, threatening environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand.
As expressed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature;
“We cannot achieve conservation and
wellbeing for people and planet unless we respect and value the rights of Indigenous Peoples”
On the world stage, Indigenous leadership in climate adaptation strategies is further highlighted by the UN Climate Justice Global Alliance work pointing to the major opportunities in embedding Indigenous-led adaptation frameworks and taking a ‘climate justice’ approach to net zero transition strategies.
The Treaty Principles Bill was defeated at its second reading in April 2025.
