From our very formation, Te Kaunihera Wāhine o Aotearoa National Council of Women of New Zealand has relied on the power of collective voices and collective action and the value these hold for our culture and for equality.

Our country has seen first hand that collective action works and it reminds us that no one should have to fight alone for their freedoms or to resist unwanted change being forced upon them. We need to stand together to protect what we know is right.

The Treaty Principles Bill now before Parliament seeks to create a new legal definition of "the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi” and is a huge challenge to our cultural integrity. NCWNZ believes this can only be corrected through New Zealanders' collective action.

For nearly 130 years, NCWNZ has been fighting for equality and we have made a formal statement declaring our commitment to Te Tiriti and our dedication to its principles. Like many of our sister organisations, NCWNZ will be making a submission that clearly articulates our members' opposition to this Bill, which will be shared on our website.

We are strongly urging the Government to uphold the rights and obligations articulated in Te Tiriti o Waitangi as one of the founding documents of Aotearoa.

Human rights and democracy are under threat across the world. New Zealand has a world-leading history of equality and the principles of freedom and we proved this when we ensured woman had the right to vote in 1893.

Today, we stand alongside tangata whenua and ask all New Zealanders to unite once again to do the right thing for Aotearoa New Zealand.

UPDATE 6 January 2025: NCWNZ has made a submission on the proposed Treaty Principles Bill. You can read the full submission here.