Source: NZ Principals Federation
Open letter follows:
Tēnā koe Minister Stanford,
On behalf of the Tai Tokerau Principals’ Association (TTPA), representing 108 primary and intermediate school principals across the six regions of Te Tai Tokerau (Northland), I am writing to express our profound opposition to the government’s decision to remove the requirement for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the Education and Training Act 2020.
The TTPA is committed to fostering an education system that is culturally responsive and ensures the success of all ākonga (students). In Te Tai Tokerau, where a significant proportion of our students are Māori, this commitment is not just a professional goal but a moral imperative. We believe that schools must be environments where ākonga Māori and their whānau feel a deep sense of belonging, connection, and cultural affirmation. The proposed amendment to the Act directly undermines this fundamental principle.
We support the vital role of school boards in governance and their focus on core responsibilities such as student achievement, attendance, and well-being. However, we contend that honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi is not a distraction from these responsibilities but is, in fact, integral to achieving them. Our principals and their boards work diligently to ensure that their school’s plans, policies, and curriculum reflect local tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te ao Māori. This work is essential for ensuring that our Māori students, who represent a significant and growing part of our school communities, see themselves and their heritage valued within our education system.
The removal of the explicit obligation to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi sends a damaging message that the principles of partnership, participation, and protection are negotiable and can be relegated to a matter of voluntary goodwill. While we are confident that our principals will continue to champion Te Tiriti in their schools, we believe that legislation plays a crucial role in setting clear expectations, protecting progress, and ensuring that all schools in Aotearoa New Zealand are held to the same high standard. A legislative framework that is silent on Te Tiriti creates ambiguity and risks eroding the gains that have been made in creating a more equitable and inclusive education system.
We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in the wider education sector, in opposing this change. We urge you and your government to reconsider this decision and to reaffirm the Crown’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a cornerstone of a high-quality, inclusive, and successful education system for all learners in Aotearoa.
We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this important matter further.
Nāku noa, nā
Brendon Morrissey (TTPA President)
On behalf of the Tai Tokerau Principals’ Association
