Schools Reaffirm Commitment to Treaty of Waitangi Amid Changes

Several schools in Gore, New Zealand, are joining a nationwide movement to reaffirm their commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi, despite a recent change in government policy. This decision comes after the Education and Training Amendment Act 2025 was enacted on November 18, 2023, removing a clause from the Education and Training Act that required school boards to “give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”

In 2020, the previous government introduced a mandate for educational institutions to ensure that their policies and curricula reflected Māori culture and customs. Following the removal of this requirement, over 1,000 schools across the country have publicly announced their intention to continue honoring their obligations under the Treaty.

Local Schools Stand Firm on Treaty Obligations

In a recent newsletter from St Peter’s College, board presiding member Ceri Macleod reassured the community of their ongoing commitment. She stated, “We would like to reassure our community and whānau that, as a board, we remain committed to honoring Te Tiriti through the actions and priorities set out in our strategic plan.” This sentiment emphasizes the school’s dedication to cultural understanding and inclusivity, which remains “strengthened and unchanged.”

Principal Kieran Udy echoed this commitment, referencing the strong stance taken by the NZ Catholic Education Office. Both he and Macleod reinforced that their educational strategies would continue to reflect the values and principles of the Treaty.

Other local institutions, such as West Gore School and Menzies College in Wyndham, have released similar messages of reaffirmation through their respective boards of trustees. Principal Linda Fraser of West Gore School highlighted the school’s ongoing efforts to integrate Māori culture into their educational framework.

Future Actions and Board Meetings

While several schools have already expressed their intentions, others are awaiting the outcomes of their end-of-year board meetings before making public statements. For example, Māruawai College plans to discuss the matter during its board meeting in December. Additionally, primary schools such as Mataura and Gore Main School have yet to finalize their positions on the issue.

The commitment of these schools reflects a broader trend of educational institutions prioritizing the values embedded in the Treaty of Waitangi, ensuring that Māori culture and customs are included in the educational experience, regardless of recent legislative changes.

As these discussions unfold, the impact on students and the community remains a focal point, emphasizing the importance of cultural inclusivity in New Zealand’s educational landscape.