We appreciate people within our Baptist union of churches have a variety of views on the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill and that this bill is controversial. The Justice Committee of the New Zealand Parliament has called for public submissions on this bill. This opinion piece encourages one particular perspective on how to make submissions.
Troy Renata-Paul is part of Manukau City Baptist Church and co-founder of Verty’s, a clothing brand focusing on sustainability, ethically made clothes and community partnership.
Tēnā koutou te whānau Iriiri
The time has come to make a stand for unity in the place we call home. At a point in history where division is running rampant, we have to make a choice as to how we will proceed into the future and what that will look like for the future generations of Aotearoa New Zealand.
I urge you to make a written submission and vocal (if you can) to stop this divisive bill from going through as it does NOT honour our founding documents that always have and will always be in support of all people Tangata Whenua (Māori) and Pākehā (Non-Māori). The submissions must be in by January 7th, so we have less than a month to do this.
"Te Tiriti enables us to all belong, so we should honour it" - Anashuya Fletcher (Assistant Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Wellington).
As believers and followers of Christ, it is our obligation to honour covenant relationships, as we read in Joshua 9 & 2 Samuel 21. Te Tiriti is no different.
The incredible team at Common Grace Aotearoa has put together some resources to help you find out more about Te Tiriti and show you how to make your submissions. Please find them in the details below.
Māori need your support.
Te Tiriti needs your support.
Mauri ora,
Troy Renata-Paul
Resources from Common Grace Aotearoa
Common Grace Aotearoa is a movement of individuals, churches and communities pursuing Jesus and justice together for the flourishing of all people and all creation.
"Our vision is to see the flourishing of all people and the earth, our common home, with Christians in Aotearoa contributing to the common good by helping to transform unjust structures in society."
Common Grace have created resources to equip church communities to participate in the submission process:
"A truthful, gracious and prophetic voice is needed now more than ever to protect the integrity of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Even if this bill never becomes law, the conversations about it will influence how many people view the Treaty. We can help to ensure the conversation is truthful and compassionate."
Video resources and submission guides: commongrace.nz/tpbgathersubmissions.
Includes:
- A refresher on what Te Tiriti o Waitangi says
- An introduction to 'Treaty Principles'
- An outline of what the Treaty Principles Bill proposes and how we, Common Grace believe it does not align with Te Tiriti
- How to have your say
commongrace.nz/treatyaction has a resource for individuals to make a submission online using the Common Grace submission guides and other resources.
Submissions are open until 7 January 2025
If you have questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Common Grace Aotearoa via their website.
More articles on the Treaty Principles Bill on Baptist NZ:
Pondering: Why I don’t support the Treaty of Waitangi Principles Bill
The Treaty of Waitangi Principles Bill could have far-reaching negative implications for New Zealand’s social fabric, says Dave Tims.
Photo: The mountains – representing this mountain we’re attempting to climb. Supplied by Troy Renata-Paul.
