Latest news with #EruKapa-Kingi
1News
4 days ago
- Politics
- 1News
David Seymour defends role in Oxford Union 'stolen land' debate
Newly minted Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says his self-funded trip to participate in the Oxford Union is worth doing despite his growing workload back home, because the world can learn from New Zealand's experience. Seymour has followed in the footsteps of some of the world's most prominent people, speaking at an Oxford Union event in England. Oxford Union claims to be the "most prestigious debating society in the world'', on its website. Established in 1823 with a commitment to freedom of speech and expression, the union's members largely remain University of Oxford students. The Deputy Prime Minister has followed in the footsteps of some of the world's most prominent people, speaking at an Oxford Union event in England. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT Seymour was opposing the moot "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land" alongside United States immigration reform advocates RJ Hauman and Art Arthur. The proposing side are historian Aviva Chomsky, Palestinian peace activist Nivine Sandouka and Australian Senator and Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens Mehreen Faruqi. Both sides will also include a student speaker. "I believe we're one of the most successful societies that there are in a world that is very troubled in many ways," Seymour told 1News. "A country like New Zealand that does practise the rule of law, that has sought through treaty settlements to right the wrongs of the past, that does welcome migrants." Seymour said he thought the invite was a prank until he saw that Labour MP Willie Jackson had participated in a debate at the union last year. He is opposing the moot "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land" alongside United States immigration reform advocates. (Source: Breakfast) On now being linked to the group of distinguished people that have spoken at Oxford Union events, Seymour said humour was his best chance for standing out. ADVERTISEMENT "Albert Einstein's been here, so I'm not the smartest.,They've had people like Elton John, so I'm not the most famous and I don't know if I'll be the funniest, but that's probably the best area to compete," he said. Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson critical of moot Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi has criticised Oxford Union's debate topic of "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land," saying discussing topics like this under the principle of freedom of expression is "ultimately dangerous". Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi. He says this principle creates "opportunity for more embedded stereotypes which will damage not only current generations but also future generations of indigenous communities who are in the process right now of reclaiming and reviving their own identity, culture and political authority". Kapa-Kingi helped lead the hīkoi to Parliament opposing the Treaty Principles Bill, which failed at the second reading in Parliament. He's also been critical of Seymour participating in the debate, saying it's problematic. ADVERTISEMENT "He has neither the qualification nor the lived experience to talk either about illegal immigration or the colonisation of indigenous cultures, particularly through the theft of land… "Also, given David Seymour's most recent track record in terms of the Treaty Principles Bill and most recently the Regulatory Standards Bill, direct attacks on indigenous rights, tangata whenua (Māori) rights in Aotearoa, this is a provocative move inviting him to partake in this debate concerning those exact rights.' Kapa-Kingi said he questions the integrity and credibility of the debate, perceiving the event as a "deliberate attempt to incite what will inevitably be hateful rhetoric, damaging rhetoric to indigenous communities". Parliament punishment, free money?, getting wicked again (Source: 1News) Kapa-Kingi said Māori with formal qualifications and lived experience would be a better pick to take part and 'carry the kōrero with respect, honour and in a way that's genuinely productive and genuinely thought-provoking". Seymour has rejected the comments, saying everyone is allowed to share their perspective on an issue. "I think that they need to start respecting each person's dignity and right to have views and share them, instead of trying to say that some people are less able to express a view which seems to be exactly what they believe.' ADVERTISEMENT Seymour claimed the protest group divides society "into victims and villains and we should each know our place". "Well actually I think that we all get a time on earth and should be able to make the most of it, share the ideas that are important for us, throw away the ones that we don't like." A long history of distinguished guests As well as debates, the Union has a long history of hearing from distinguished people from around the world. This has included Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa and Malcolm X. Controversial speakers have also been invited over the years, sparking dramatic protests. New Zealand's most famous Oxford Union debate moment came in 1985 when former Prime Minister David Lange responded to a student speaker that he would answer his question, "if you hold your breath just for a moment... I can smell the uranium on it as you lean towards me!" David Lange at the Oxford Union event in 1985. (Source: TVNZ) Lange won the debate, arguing that "nuclear weapons are morally indefensible" and drawing international attention to New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance.
1News
5 days ago
- Politics
- 1News
David Seymour taking part in 'stolen land' debate at prestigious Oxford Union
Newly minted Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says his self-funded trip to participate in the Oxford Union is worth doing despite his growing workload back home, because the world can learn from New Zealand's experience. Seymour has followed in the footsteps of some of the world's most prominent people, speaking at an Oxford Union event in England. Oxford Union claims to be the "most prestigious debating society in the world''," on its website. Established in 1823 with a commitment to freedom of speech and expression, the union's members largely remain University of Oxford students. He is opposing the moot "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land" alongside United States immigration reform advocates. (Source: Breakfast) ADVERTISEMENT Seymour was opposing the moot "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land" alongside United States immigration reform advocates RJ Hauman and Art Arthur. The proposing side are historian Aviva Chomsky, Palestinian peace activist Nivine Sandouka and Australian Senator and Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens Mehreen Faruqi. Both sides will also include a student speaker. "I believe we're one of the most successful societies that there are in a world that is very troubled in many ways," Seymour told 1News. "A country like New Zealand that does practice the rule of law that has sought through treaty settlements to right the wrongs of the past that does welcome migrants." Seymour said he thought the invite was a prank until he saw that Labour MP Willie Jackson had participated in a debate at the union last year. On now being linked to the group of distinguished people that have spoken at Oxford Union events, Seymour said humour was his best chance for standing out. "Albert Einstein's been here, so I'm not the smartest. ADVERTISEMENT "They've had people like Elton John, so I'm not the most famous and I don't know if I'll be the funniest, but that's probably the best area to compete," he said. Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson critical of moot Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi has criticised Oxford Union's debate topic of "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land," saying discussing topics like this being discussed under the principle of freedom of expression is "ultimately dangerous". Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi. He says this principle creates "opportunity for more embedded stereotypes which will damage not only current generations but also future generations of indigenous communities who are in the process right now of reclaiming and reviving their own identity, culture and political authority". Kapa-Kingi helped lead the hīkoi to Parliament opposing the Treaty Principles Bill, which failed at the second reading in Parliament. He's also been critical of Seymour participating in the debate, saying it's problematic. ADVERTISEMENT "He has neither the qualification nor the lived experience to talk either about illegal immigration or the colonisation of indigenous cultures, particularly through the theft of land…" "Also given David Seymour's most recent track record in terms of the Treaty Principles Bill and most recently the Regulatory Standards Bill, direct attacks on indigenous rights, tangata whenua (Māori) rights in Aotearoa, this is a provocative move inviting him to partake in this debate concerning those exact rights.' Kapa-Kingi said he questions the integrity and credibility of the debate, perceiving the event as a "deliberate attempt to incite what will inevitably be hateful rhetoric, damaging rhetoric to indigenous communities". Parliament punishment, free money?, getting wicked again (Source: 1News) Kapa-Kingi said Māori with formal qualifications and lived experience would be a better pick to take part and 'carry the kōrero with respect, honour and in a way that's genuinely productive and genuinely thought-provoking". Seymour has rejected the comments, saying everyone is allowed to share their perspective on an issue. "I think that they need to start respecting each person's dignity and right to have views and share them, instead of trying to say that some people are less able to express a view which seems to be exactly what they believe.' ADVERTISEMENT Seymour claimed the protest group divides society "into victims and villains and we should each know our place". "Well actually I think that we all get a time on earth and should be able to make the most of it, share the ideas that are important for us, throw away the ones that we don't like." A long history of distinguished guests As well as debates, the Union has a long history of hearing from distinguished people from around the world. This has included Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa and Malcolm X, to name just a few. Controversial speakers have also been invited over the years, sparking dramatic protests. New Zealand's most famous Oxford Union debate moment came in 1985 when former Prime Minister David Lange's responded to a student speaker that he would answer his question, "if you hold your breath just for a moment... I can smell the uranium on it as you lean towards me!" David Lange at the Oxford Union event in 1985. (Source: TVNZ) Lange won the debate, arguing that "nuclear weapons are morally indefensible" and drawing international attention to New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance.
NZ Herald
30-05-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
David Seymour condemns charity fight challenge from Eru Kapa-Kingi
Act leader David Seymour is condemning an 'immature' challenge to a charity fight from prominent Treaty activist Eru Kapa-Kingi. In a video posted to social media yesterday, Kapa-Kingi took exception to Seymour calling his mother, Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, an 'idiot' during the House's debate on the
RNZ News
01-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Regulatory Standards Bill claim accepted for urgency by Waitangi Tribunal with 12,000 claimants signed on
The Tino Rangatiratanga haki (flag), unfurled outside the Beehive, on the day the Treaty Principles Bill was formally introduced. The Bill was voted down 112 to 11 in Parliament on 10 April. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Emma Andrews The group behind last year's Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti has been granted an urgent hearing at the Waitangi Tribunal regarding the Regulatory Standards Bill. Over 12,000 people have registered as part of the claimant group after Toitū te Tiriti put out a tono, or request, on social media asking people to sign up for the claim. The claim alleges that - if enacted - the bill would breach Te Tiriti and cause significant prejudice to Māori. The Regulatory Standards Bill, which is yet to be introduced into Parliament, is part of the National and ACT coalition agreement. A discussion document on the matter had been open for consultation to inform the drafting of the legislation, it includes a set of principles outlining what constitutes "responsible regulation," including rule of law, liberties, taking of property, taxes, fees and levies, role of courts, good law-making and regulatory stewardship. A preliminary Treaty Impact Analysis conducted for the proposed bill noted it did not include a principle related to Te Tiriti and its role as part of good law-making. Toitū te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi told RNZ the Bill would give the Minister of Regulation broad powers to review legislation which could have a negative effect on Te Tiriti in legislation. Toitū te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly "The point in going to the Tribunal is to enable the Tribunal to really investigate what is going on, what the intentions are, what the whakapapa is of this Bill as opposed to waiting for it end up in a First Reading in Parliament and then knowing that it is inevitably going to become law." Toitū te Tiriti put out the call for people to sign up for the claim to give them an opportunity to participate in a different way than last November's hīkoi, he said. "It's an avenue to provide connection to the case, to the claim. Similar to class actions that have been brought by other groups of people in a civil jurisdiction... this is kind of like a Māori class action I guess." Kapa-Kingi said it's not too late for people to sign up to be a claimant. The Minister for Regulation David Seymour said given the Bill hasn't been introduced yet it's hard to know what Toitū te Tiriti want to talk about. The Minister for Regulation David Seymour. File photo. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER "Putting that aside, the gist of the bill is to require politicians and officials to ask and answer certain questions before they place restrictions on citizens' freedoms. "What problem are we trying to solve? What are the costs and benefits? Who pays the costs and gets the benefits? What restrictions are being placed on the use and exchange of private property? "If they've got a problem with that, I'll be interested to hear it, but I suspect this is just another publicity stunt from a Māori Party protest group." But Kapa-Kingi said the lack of information around the Bill is itself a source of anxiety for Māori. "If there's no information or little information then those voids are often filled by assumptions and we can make pretty valid or accurate assumptions in terms of the ACT Party's agenda given the policy directions and objectives that that Party has." From Toitū te Tiriti's perspective the Regulatory Standards Bill seems like the 'more covert, but more aggressive version of the Treaty Principles Bill,' which was voted down at Second Reading, he said. Once the Bill is introduced to Parliament the Waitangi Tribunal loses its jurisdiction to examine it. "This is the only time and the perfect time for us to be making a claim through the Tribunal and is also why the Tribunal has granted urgency, knowing that this is a small window and if we don't take the opportunity now to in a robust manner analyse this Bill and the effects that it's going to have on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangata whenua then we've basically lost our chance," Kapa-Kingi said. The one-day hearing will take place on the 6th of June at the Waitangi Tribunal Offices in Wellington. The Regulatory Standards Bill is expected to be introduced to the House by the end of June under the government's quarterly action plan. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The Guardian
05-02-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Māori protesters turn their backs on government ministers at Waitangi Day event
If New Zealand's coalition government had prepared for political fireworks from Indigenous leaders on the eve of the country's national day, they were met with something arguably even louder: turned backs and silence. Under a blazing hot sun on Wednesday, political leaders gathered at the Waitangi treaty grounds in New Zealand's far north to celebrate Waitangi Day, which marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840. The treaty, signed by Māori chiefs and the British Crown is considered New Zealand's founding document and is instrumental in upholding Māori rights. Hundreds of protesters from the Toitū te Tiriti movement, which led the largest ever protest over Māori rights in 2024, departed the grounds as the government delegation arrived, leaving behind a largely empty peninsula. 'We are sick of talking to ears that will not listen, and to minds that will not change,' leader Eru Kapa-Kingi told the crowd, before they left. Later, when ministers stood to speak in front of the marae (meeting house), prominent Māori leaders and a group of women from Ngāpuhi iwi (tribes) turned their backs. '[We] are turning our backs on them, we don't want to listen, we have had enough,' Hinerangi Himiona told the Guardian, adding this was the first time in 80 years that this form of protest had been used at the grounds. The women, cloaked in red blankets stitched with messages and symbols of Māori sovereignty, wept quietly as they stood shoulder to shoulder – tears, Himiona explained, for the hundreds of Indigenous children in state care, for the significant population of Māori in prison and for the endless battle for Māori rights. 'There is a lot to cry about, and there is a lot to be angry about – we hope that we represented the mamaetanga [hurt] of our people well,' Himiona said. The signing New Zealand's founding document has been commemorated as a public holiday on 6 February since 1974, with events around the country, and a formal multi-day celebration held at the Waitangi grounds. It is as much a festive time of music, food and community as it is a forum for political discussion about sovereignty, equality and history and has often been the scene of demonstrations, with Māori protesting against the lack of progress made in tackling inequality and ongoing breaches of the treaty. Last year, prime minister Christopher Luxon and his coalition partners faced protest and boos over its policies, which many fear are rolling back Māori rights. This year, Luxon was absent, choosing instead to attend a Waitangi event in the South Island – a decision that sparked accusations of cowardice from opposition parties and some Indigenous leaders. With a missing prime minister and no discernible change in his government's policy direction for Māori, the reception at Waitangi turned ice-cold. Since taking office, the coalition government's broader policy direction for Māori – including sweeping rollbacks to policies designed to improve Māori health and wellbeing – has prompted strident criticism. Few policies have angered Māori as much as the rightwing minor Act party's treaty principles bill, which proposes to radically alter the way the treaty is interpreted. The bill, which is moving through parliament's select committee process, does not have widespread support and is unlikely to become law. However, its introduction has prompted anger from many who believe it is creating division and undermining the treaty. The bill's architect, Act party leader David Seymour, received the frostiest reception on Wednesday – not only were backs turned, his microphone was twice taken away from him during his speech. 'Here are some problems that you can't turn your back on because the numbers do not lie,' he said in response to the protest. 'Māori home ownership. Māori school attendance. Māori victimisation by criminals … none of it is getting better,' he said. 'If this is what a treaty partnership looks like, how is it working out for Māori?' Speaking to reporters after the event, Seymour said his microphone could be taken away but not his ideas. 'You can try and suppress ideas, but actually, people have an ability to decide what they think for themselves … I think it's important that the message gets out, regardless of people trying to interfere with your ability.' Coalition ministers expressed their concerns over the day's interactions. National party minister Paul Goldsmith said it was 'disappointing' the microphone had been taken away, while minister Shane Jones, from New Zealand First, described the event as a 'circus' and threatened to pull funding from the Waitangi National Trust unless it decided to 'buck up its ideas'. Opposition politicians voiced their support for those airing their concerns to the government, while opposition Labour leader Chris Hipkins said Seymour was attempting to provoke a reaction through his attendance and that is what he got. The Ngāti Wai leader responsible for removing the microphone, Aperahama Edwards, told the NZ Herald that Seymour had been asked not to speak at Waitangi and that his presence caused discomfort. 'When he didn't listen, I took the microphone,' Edwards said. Ngāpuhi leader Waihoroi Shortland returned it to Seymour but hoped protesters turning their backs delivered a powerful message. 'Everything we have wanted to say about the [treaty principles] bill has been said, everything he has had to say has been said,' Shortland said. 'We're not going to hear anything new, so let's try silence.'
