The Green Party expresses disappointment over the passing of the Treaty Principles Bill at first reading.
The Green Co-Leader, Chlöe Swarbrick, has called out government MPs for prioritizing "cynical politics" over the needs of the nation. She claims that despite National Party opposition to the bill and the Prime Minister's criticism of its divisiveness, Government MPs voted in favor of it after being whipped into line.
Thousands of people marched through Auckland on Tuesday in support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a system of governance that benefits both people and planet. This display of unity has given the Green Party hope for the future, with Swarbrick saying "people are organising themselves against this Government in unity on a scale that I have never seen in my lifetime."
The Bill's passage at first reading marks only a temporary victory, according to Swarbrick, who emphasizes that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is forever and will continue to be the focus of opposition.