Committee Secretariat
Justice Committee
Parliament Buildings
Wellington
14 January 2025
Re: Submission on the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Principles Bill 2024
- Pātaka Art + Museum (Pātaka) inspires our community through arts, culture, and creativity. We are recognised nationally and internationally as an industry leader in contemporary Māori, Pacific and Aotearoa New Zealand art and culture. Pātaka delivers diverse and engaging exhibitions, school programmes and publications that celebrate, educate and enrich the well-being of our community.
- Pātaka strongly opposes the proposed legalisation. The Bill does not capture the essence of Te Tiriti o Waitangi nor rightfully acknowledge Māori as tāngata whenua and partners of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Bill ignores the last 50 years of legal and government precedent and is an unhelpful distraction that would undermine relationships and trust built between our institution, as a local government facility and cultural institution in Aotearoa with our local communities - including Ngāti Toa Rangatira. The bill would also adversely affect our international reputation to collaborate with other cultural institutions, artists and organisations, particularly other indigenous peoples.
- Pātaka endorses and fully supports the submissions made by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Porirua City Council who oppose the Treaty of Waitangi Principles Bill 2024
- Pātaka recommends that the Committee does not support this Bill to the House, nor progress any further in the legislative process.
Ana Sciascia
Director Pātaka Art + Museum
