More than 1000 schools have now publicly reaffirmed they will continue giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, despite the government removing school boards' Treaty requirement from the Education and Training Act.
As of 21 November, 1007 schools have been added to Te RΔrangi Rangatira, a growing list of public commitments made by boards, kura and principals' associations across the motu.
Lawyer Tania Waikato, who is collating the statements and publicly sharing the list, said the surge of support from kura sends a clear message.
"Everything this government is doing to try and remove Te Tiriti from that conversation is being resisted."
She said the response shows a "grassroots backlash" to the change.
"It's totally organic. It's not being led by any particular person or movement. It is a wonderful expression of kotahitanga."
Photo: RNZ / Emma Andrews
'This is the hΔ«koi for the schools'
Waikato compared the outpouring of statements to HΔ«koi mΕ Te Tiriti, the nation-wide movement opposing the Treaty Principles Bill and policies impacting MΔori.
"This is the hΔ«koi for th
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