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.
And in case you missed it, the three Treaty review Bills have now officially passed their First Readings. We are pleased to see this part of the NZ First–National coalition agreement honoured. As we noted previously, we want to see the next Government move decisively and pass all remaining stages quickly to bring clarity and equality back to our constitutional framework.
In recent hours, you may have seen media commentary and reports surrounding left-wing author Nicky Hager's latest book, and to say he’s obsessed with our movement would be an understatement.
Hager, of course, frames Hobson's Pledge's work in the most negative light possible. In his worldview, being right-of-centre is practically unacceptable and raising legitimate concerns about how the Treaty of Waitangi is misused is automatically labelled "racist."
I want to address the sentiment behind these reports directly and clearly.
At Hobson’s Pledge, we are transparent about who we are and what we stand for. We are a principled, grassroots organisation driven by a deep concern for the direction of New Zealand. We are supported by tens of thousands of New Zealanders like you, who make the work possible. Everything we do is guided by a commitment to the country our children and grandchildren will inherit. We want them to grow up in a prosperous, united democracy where every citizen enjoys equal rights under the law.
The claims circulating in this book consist largely of hearsay and recycled political narratives designed to distract from the real issues.
When system-level inequities, race-based governance structures, or separate standards are introduced into our laws, Hobson’s Pledge calls them out. We do so because we believe legal equality is the bedrock of a fair and unified democracy.
Calling out these systemic issues often makes the political establishment uncomfortable. Those who benefit from division do not want these discussions taking place in the public square.
What concerns us most is the growing reluctance in New Zealand to engage in robust, respectful debate. Demeaning labels and smear tactics are increasingly used to shut down conversation on critical national issues. That is not the Kiwi way.
Being an alternative voice already puts Hobson's Pledge in the firing line, with Hager's obsession being a natural consequence.
It seems Hager is upset and threatened by our success, and strangely, we are grateful he is pointing it out.
He notes our large supporter base, success in grassroots fundraising, and Hobson's Pledge's considerable influence on the political landscape in New Zealand. These are all markers of an important message and a successful organisation.
The double standard is staggering. Traditional grassroots advocacy—rallying everyday citizens, raising funds for campaigns, and speaking up in public—is somehow wrong when done by groups like ours.
Too often, smear tactics, aggressive labels, and sensationalised books are used to intimidate everyday New Zealanders into silence. But a free democracy cannot function when people are afraid to speak their minds.
The future of New Zealand belongs to all of its people - not just a select political elite or activist class. Every single Kiwi should be able to express their views, debate the issues, and question government policy without fear of vilification.
Hager also takes aim at Real Estate agent Janet Dickson, effectively suggesting she should park her personal beliefs and conscience rights to accept mandatory indoctrination. He expresses outrage that Hobson’s Pledge supporters are standing behind her and raising funds for her legal fight.
We make no apologies for defending freedom of conscience and standing up for individuals who refuse to be forced into ideological re-education.
Janet's fight is a fight for everyone’s rights, and we need to keep the pressure on.
We will not be deterred, distracted, or silenced by the likes of Hager. Hobson’s Pledge will continue to advocate proudly and transparently for equal rights, robust democratic accountability, and a united nation where everyone is treated equally under the law.
Fund Hobson's Pledge's continued fight here.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Every time the opposition tries to silence us, it only proves how effective we are being together. Let's keep momentum going.
