We did it. Ten years of fighting for equal citizenship, one law for all, and a unified New Zealand.
Many would have hoped Hobson’s Pledge would only have a brief life, yet here we are – ten years in and still going strong.
Today's message from me is one of gratitude but also resolve. Of celebrating successes but acknowledging there is still so much to do.
When we launched Hobson’s Pledge a decade ago, many told us we were fighting an uphill battle against an entrenched political narrative. But thanks to your steadfast support, generosity, and courage, the tide is turning.
To celebrate this monumental milestone, we recently released a special 10th Anniversary Video on Facebook. If you haven't seen it yet, I encourage you to watch it, like it, and share it far and wide. This video is a tribute to you - because without our supporters, none of the victories we have seen over ten years would have been possible.
And what timing! Just this week, as Parliament enters its final sitting block, we are witnessing significant wins for democracy and equal rights right before our eyes:
The Treaty References Review Bills have finally arrived
After a long wait, the Government has finally introduced three bills to standardise, clarify, and repeal various references to the "principles of the Treaty of Waitangi" across 19 pieces of legislation.
While we strongly backed the Treaty Principles Bill put forward by the ACT Party, this review initiated by the NZ First-National coalition agreement is also welcome. It is a step in the right direction.
Being the second-to-last sitting week of this parliamentary term, the bills will only get a First Reading and so will not become law this side of the election. However, it is encouraging to see these bills finally tabled, and we expect a firm commitment that a returned coalition will progress them through all the remaining stages swiftly in the new year.
Why clear out these clauses? Look at the absurdity: Critics are crying foul about these Treaty review Bills, but ask yourself: what can possibly be wrong with bringing clarity to our statutes? Why on earth should vague Treaty references exist in laws where they make no sense whatsoever?
Take the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2000 or the Organic Products and Production Act 2023—why does growing organic apples or saving electricity require "Treaty principles" compliance?
Or the Smokefree Environments Act 1990 and Data and Statistics Act 2022—statutes where inserting racial references only creates judicial confusion and bureaucratic bloat. Stripping away these ill-defined, activist-driven clauses restores common sense and clarity to New Zealand law.
Defending local democracy: stopping unelected voters
Also on the table in Parliament this week is long-overdue legislation to stop unelected members from holding voting power on council committees.
Originally the idea of ACT MP Cameron Luxton, his member’s bill was picked up and adopted by the Coalition Government.
Hobson’s Pledge applauds the Government for pushing ahead with this essential democratic measure. It is straightforward – only the elected get to vote and make decisions that impact our cities, towns, and regions.
Importantly, this new law also applies to Auckland Council. Initially, the proposed government bill allowed the two Independent Māori Statutory Board members in Auckland to continue voting on council committees. No other councils were to be granted this exemption, just Auckland. This didn’t make sense in principle, but also would have created an unnecessary exemption and inconsistency. It is good, therefore, to see that all across the country and on every council committee, only the elected get to vote.
We do have to ask the hard question: why are certain mayors and councillors—like Auckland’s Wayne Brown—so desperate to protect the unelected vote?
Mayor Brown should be fundamentally committed to democratic principles—and in a democracy, only those elected by the people get to vote on behalf of the people. Protecting voting rights for non-elected, vested interest appointees isn't "bicultural virtue"—it's pure political self-interest. Democracy means one person, one vote. It's that simple.
More progress in the pipeline
Scrapping MWARS and RMA overhaul: The Government is moving to eliminate co-governed structures such as Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements (MWARs) in the two bills to replace the RMA. As you know, we have previously called for these to be abolished and the Government has agreed. All existing MWARs will be ended, and no new ones can be entered into by council and iwi.
While Hobson’s Pledge still holds reservations about parts of the replacement framework, getting rid of MWARS is another positive step forward.
We expect the two RMA replacement bills to pass their third and final readings before Parliament rises. This means next week, for it is inconceivable that the Coalition Government would fail to take these last days to pass such significant legislation.
Let's keep up the fight!
Make no mistake: these wins happened because you refused to stay silent. Hobson’s Pledge gave a voice to the quiet majority, and Parliament is listening.
But while we have had a number of successes, our work is far from finished, unfortunately.
Our opponents are well organised, well funded, often indulged by mainstream media, and actively working to roll back these hard-won gains. We cannot afford to slow down now if we are to permanently protect an equal New Zealand for our children and grandchildren.
Will you stand with us?
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Thank you for ten incredible years of support, encouragement, action, and commitment. Together, we are securing a fair, democratic future for all New Zealanders.
