We are all human beings. That should be an uncontroversial starting point for a profession devoted to understanding the human mind. 

Yet the New Zealand Psychological Society and the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists have issued an apology to Māori that makes sweeping claims about racism, colonisation and the supposed failings of “western” psychology. 

They claim New Zealand was built on genocide. They claim that hard-working psychologists have been acting with racist views over the years. They claim that, effectively, colonisation is at the heart of just about every psychological problem. 

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This fight is bigger than one real estate agent.

It is about whether New Zealanders can be forced to participate in ideological training as a condition of keeping their professional licence, regardless of their sincerely held beliefs.

As you may know, Janet Dickson lost her case before the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal after refusing to complete Te Kākano, a compulsory course she believed conflicted with her Christian convictions. Janet was also clear that this training had nothing to do with selling property. The Tribunal has upheld the regulator's decision, placing Janet's licence and livelihood at risk.

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I write to you today with some incredibly encouraging news: our strategy is working. 

For years, Hobson’s Pledge was one of the few organisations willing to speak up publicly - calling for an end to division, a firm deadline on historical Treaty settlements, and the eventual closing of the Waitangi Tribunal. Back then, political commentators claimed it couldn't be done.

In the past few weeks, we have seen a very clear shift in the conversation, and the political landscape, when it comes to promoting equal rights, is changing for the better. 

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Wow! What a week in New Zealand politics - and what a confirmation of the impact we are making together. 

Firstly, the last-minute win on the RMA (Resource Management Act) replacement Bills. In the final hours of this Parliament, the two RMA replacement Bills passed their final readings yesterday. It is fantastic to see these finally over the line. Reforming our planning and resource management laws has been a long time coming, including removing the Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements (MWARs).  These agreements between iwi and councils are undemocratic. As we have often argued, we need one law for all, and not special privileges based on ancestry. Now that the law has changed, all existing MWARs are abolished, and no new ones can be entered into.

This is progress and a significant victory.

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