This week, Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has stirred controversy by asserting that “Māori did not cede sovereignty” when signing the Treaty of Waitangi. According to the New Zealand Herald, Hipkins was “unequivocal” in this claim.
Hipkins stated:
“It’s pretty clear that if you follow the various court rulings over time, the academic research, and the Treaty settlement process, the answer is no.”
He further clarified, “That doesn’t mean the Crown doesn’t have sovereignty now, but Māori didn’t cede sovereignty in signing the Treaty.”
Such statements from a major political leader are deeply concerning and irresponsible. How can Hipkins claim Māori didn't cede sovereignty while also acknowledging the Crown's current sovereignty? This contradictory stance raises serious questions about his understanding of New Zealand’s history and constitutional framework.
Article One of the Treaty states:
“The Chiefs of the Confederation of the United Tribes of New Zealand and the separate and independent Chiefs who have not become members of the Confederation cede to Her Majesty the Queen of England absolutely and without reservation all the rights and powers of Sovereignty…”
The intent of the Treaty was to unify New Zealand under a single sovereign authority.
Historical records, including speeches by Māori chiefs in 1840 and at the Kohimarama conference in 1860, confirm that they understood that they were surrendering authority to the Crown.
Sir Apirana Ngata, perhaps the greatest Maori leader of all time, emphasised this a century ago:
“Clause 1 of the Treaty handed over the mana and the sovereignty of New Zealand to Queen Victoria and her descendants forever.”
New Zealand has operated as a unified nation under the Crown's sovereignty for more than 180 years.
Hipkins’ claim that Māori did not cede sovereignty threatens our national unity and could undermine our legal and political system, creating divisions based on heritage where there should be none.
Former Labour Prime Minister David Lange observed:
“Democratic government can accommodate Māori political aspirations in many ways... What it cannot do is acknowledge the existence of a separate sovereignty. As soon as it does that, it isn’t a democracy.”
Willie Jackson has dismissed the notion that Maori chiefs ceded sovereignty in 1840 as “laughable,” further fuelling division and confusion. In contrast, National Party leader Christopher Luxon, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and David Seymour - the leaders of all the parties in the Coalition Government - have reaffirmed the Crown’s sovereignty.
Disagreements about New Zealand’s founding document should concern us all.
It’s time to stand firm on the principles that unite us as New Zealanders—one law for all, under one sovereign authority.
Did Maori have sovereignty to cede in 1840?
Chief Justice Sir James Prendergast did not think so when he ruled during the trial between Wi Parata v The Bishop of Wellington in 1877 “So far indeed as that instrument (The Treaty of Waitangi) purported to cede the sovereignty, it must be regarded as a ‘simple nullity’. No political body existed capable of making cession of sovereignty”.
James Busby did not think so when he tried to get Maori to sign his Declaration of Independence in 1935 but could only entice 34 out of about 600 chiefs to sign it before it was abandoned.
The King thought Maori had sovereignty, but Busby did not tell him he could only entice 34 chiefs to sign…
WAFFLE WARNING: Again, if one cuts to the chase, it is quite simple, if not a very "kind" way of looking at history.
Scenario 1 (the kinder version): Maori chiefs, fed up with intertribal warfare, particularly after the genocide of the Musket Wars, and seeing the self-destruction of the tribes as inevitable, decided that British rule would be a way to prevent annihilation. Hence, the Treaty of Waitangi - a document for Maori preservation. Later, in the 1860s, when a few decided they had changed their minds, and the Maori Wars kicked off, it was with the help of Maori loyal to Queen Victoria (known as "Queenies") who were instrumental in maintaining British Rule. So, New Zealand became stable through cooperation…
Excellent piece!
Lets move on...united as one nation!
So another council meeting to vote on maori wards has been subjected to maori warfare like intimidation. Our democracy is now under assault by racist anti democratic terrorists. Where were the cops???????????????????????
I'm plan to take moves to set up a local, well trained militia to defend our democracy & sovereignty from these seditious might is right arseholes. WAKE UP NZ & FIGHT BACK NZ
I'm sad to say that I feel more and more dispair for NEW ZEALAND every day.
If only there could be a real pied piper, that would lead all these treacherous, scheming, racist, money wasting, brain dead f--ken politicians, and their idiot followers, off the highest possible cliff, I would most happily supply his flute.