Representatives from more than 80 Māori tribes have made an extraordinary appeal to King Charles III, requesting his intervention in New Zealand’s political affairs. This rare plea, issued by the National Iwi Chairs Forum—an organization representing tribal leaders—comes amid rising tensions over the government’s policies concerning Māori rights and growing dissatisfaction with the relationship between Indigenous communities and the ruling authorities.
In an open letter to the King, the Māori leaders urge him to ensure that the New Zealand government does not undermine the Crown’s honor, which they believe is being jeopardized by ongoing breaches of promises made to Māori in the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty, signed in 1840, is considered New Zealand’s founding document, and its promises have been a cornerstone of the relationship between the Crown and Māori tribes.
The plea reflects deep concerns that recent government actions and policies are eroding the Treaty’s principles, which include Māori rights to land, resources, and self-governance. Māori leaders argue that the Crown has not lived up to its commitments, leading to a sense of betrayal and disillusionment within their communities.
This intervention request is seen as a significant step, signaling the urgency with which Māori tribes view the deteriorating situation. The letter is a call for greater accountability and respect for the Treaty’s principles, with Māori leaders seeking reassurance that the Crown will uphold its historical promises and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples in New Zealand.
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