It’s been another busy week as we advocate for a fair and equal New Zealand, and there’s certainly no shortage of challenges ahead! There are a number of topics to discuss, but I thought I would highlight three, including that submissions for the MACA Bill will soon be opening.
MACA Update
On Tuesday, the government introduced its Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) (Customary Marine Title) Amendment Bill. It has successfully passed its first reading and is now with the Justice Select Committee.
We’re pleased to see progress on this key part of the coalition agreement. As many of you know, the courts’ novel approach has led to most of New Zealand’s shoreline being claimed by iwi as customary title.
The amendment bill aims to clarify what Parliament originally intended in 2011—that iwi must clearly demonstrate their consistent and exclusive occupation of the land adjacent to the foreshore being claimed from 1840 onwards.
Importantly, Hobson’s Pledge advocates for a law change to return our seabed and foreshore to Crown ownership for the benefit of all New Zealanders. While we will continue to push for this change, we find much to agree with in the Government’s current proposal.
Public submissions will open soon, and it’s crucial to note that the Government is rushing this process, with the committee required to report back by December 5, 2024.
Stay tuned for more information about the bill and how Hobson’s Pledge can assist you with your submissions.
More Newspaper Ads
You may have noticed the ACT Party’s ads appearing in some newspapers today. While the Stuff-aligned papers (The Post, Waikato Times, and The Press) welcomed their ad, the New Zealand Herald chose not to publish it.
It seems the Herald is still recovering from the backlash caused by our front-page ad and hasn’t yet learned its lesson. Advocating for the fair and equal treatment of all New Zealanders should never be censored.
We’re glad to see ACT sharing its rationale for the Treaty Principles Bill. At Hobson’s Pledge, we will continue to express our strong views and support all New Zealanders in having their say.
Real Estate Agent Penalties
Did you hear that another real estate agent has lost their license for failing to complete the Real Estate Institute’s compulsory course on Māori culture and tikanga?
In this case, Michael Wilson—a realtor and contestant on TV’s Married at First Sight—failed to meet the requirements due to time constraints.
The media noted that we at Hobson’s Pledge are still supporting another realtor, Janet Dickson, who has rightly refused to undertake the course, citing its irrelevance to her work. We will continue to stand by her and anyone facing unnecessary cultural indoctrination.
This latest incident underscores that media and others will seize every opportunity to ‘name and shame’ individuals who do not comply with these cultural courses. The message is clear: complete these courses quietly, and you’ll be left alone.
Thank you for your ongoing support.