In late 2024, LIANZA submitted on the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill.The submission was strongly against supporting the bill.
This bill, if passed, will undermine the rights that Māori held before European contact, reaffirmed under He Whakaputanga 1835 and Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840. Furthermore, LIANZA believe the submission process is disingenuous at worst and tokenistic at best.
LIANZA does not support the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill.
LIANZA rejects the overarching objectives for creating this bill and believes that it will have the opposite effect.
Libraries in Aotearoa, New Zealand, respect and do their best to uphold and honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi through its commitment to support and provide valued services to Māori. This foundational document supports libraries in creating and maintaining excellent, trusted relationships with their communities, delivering positive social and economic outcomes.
