Anglican Taonga : New Zealand's Anglican News Leader

Multiple news outlets covered the 440+ church leaders' letter calling on MPs to vote down the Treaty Principles Bill.

Taonga News | 09 Sep 2024 |

Today a letter signed by 440 Christian leaders across Aotearoa New Zealand arrived at Parliament to request a swift end to the divisive Treaty Principles Bill.

141 Anglicans, including 13 bishops and the three Archbishops joined in a letter opposing the Bill, which they say undermines the foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand on shared values and common ground.

The letter, which was coordinated for the churches by ecumenical Christian justice network Common Grace Aotearoa, follows in full below.

An Open letter from Christian leaders to all Members of Parliament

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, rau rangatira mā, tēnā koutou katoa

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? The one… who does what is righteous, who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind. (Psalm 15)

We support Te Tiriti o Waitangi and oppose the proposed Treaty Principles Bill

As Christian leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand we express our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We affirm that Te Tiriti o Waitangi protects the Tino Rangatiratanga of hapū and iwi. That rangatiratanga over land and taonga is to be upheld.

We therefore express our opposition to the proposed Treaty Principles Bill.

The proposed Bill is inconsistent with Te Tiriti o Waitangi in that it does not recognise the collective rights of iwi Māori or guarantee their relationship with the Crown. It would undermine what Te Tiriti guarantees, and what decades of law, jurisprudence and policy have sought to recognise.

We note with concern the findings of the Waitangi Tribunal’s interim report, Ngā Mātāpono – The Principles, including that the Bill “distorted the text of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”

The Treaty Principles Bill may destabilise and harm Aotearoa New Zealand

We note with deep concern the harmful impacts the Bill may cause to Aotearoa New Zealand’s social cohesion.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi provides a basis for finding common ground, recognising and reconciling past wrongs, and acts as a moral and equitable compass for our democracy.

By contrast, we believe the Treaty Principles Bill will lead to division between the peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand, cause the spread of disinformation, and hinder efforts at healing and reconciliation.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a covenantal relationship

We affirm the Church’s ongoing, special, and historic relationship with Te Tiriti o Waitangi which many Christians view as a sacred covenant.

As inheritors of the legacy of the missionaries involved in the drafting, promotion and signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we acknowledge a duty of care for upholding the mana of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We commit our own churches to deepening our Te Tiriti o Waitangi education and pursuing reconciliation. We will work to ensure the flourishing of life in Aotearoa New Zealand for all peoples living here, both Tangata Tiriti and Tangata Whenua, as Te Tiriti of Waitangi enables.

We call on all Members of Parliament to oppose the Treaty Principles Bill

We therefore view with concern, and oppose the proposed Treaty Principles Bill. We call on all Members of Parliament to do everything in their power to not take this Bill to Select Committee and to work towards the ongoing restoration of the Tiriti relationship.

With love, and the hope for a flourishing and peaceful future for our people

Signed by the following individuals…

Most Reverend Don Tamihere, Bishop of Aotearoa, Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia
Most Reverend Justin Duckworth, Archbishop Tikanga Pākehā, Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia
Most Reverend Sione Uluilakepa, Archbishop Tikanga Pasifika and Primate of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia
Archbishop Paul Martin, SM Catholic Archbishop of Wellington
Cardinal John Dew, Roman Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Wellington
Bishop Stephen Lowe, Catholic Bishop of Auckland
Bishop Michael Dooley, Catholic Bishop of Dunedin
Right Reverend Dr Peter Carrell, Anglican Bishop of Christchurch
Right Reverend Andrew Hedge, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Waiapu
Right Reverend Anashuya Fletcher, Assistant Anglican Bishop of Wellington
Right Reverend Ross Bay, Anglican Bishop of Auckland
Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon, Anglican
Most Reverend Philip Richardson, Bishop of Waikato and Taranaki, Archbishop Emeritus
Right Rev Dr David Coles, Retired Anglican Bishop of Christchurch
Reverend Peter Taylor, President of the Methodist Church of New Zealand
TeRito Peyroux-Semu, Vice President of The Methodist Church of New Zealand
Commissioner Mark Campbell, Salvation Army Territorial Leader of New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa
Lt. Colonel Ian Hutson, Salvation Army Mission Officer - Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit; Co-Chair of the Salvation Army National Māori Rūnanga
Pastor David MacGregor, National Director Vineyard Churches Aotearoa NZ
Rev Rosie Fyfe, National Director of NZCMS (NZ Church Missionary Society)
Bishop Steve Maina, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Nelson
Rev Peter Rickman, Chaplain and former Dean of Waikato
Very Rev Dr Graham Redding, Presbyterian
Very Rev Dr Graham O’Brien, Dean of the Nelson Cathedral, Anglican
Bishop Peter Cullinane, Bishop Emeritus, Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North
Mark Whitfield, Bishop Emeritus | Pihopa Tāoki of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand | Pastor of St Pauls Christchurch
Bishop Owen Dolan, Bishop Emeritus of the Palmerston North Catholic Diocese
Rt Rev Richard Ellena, Retired Bishop of Nelson
Rev Dr Nāsili Vaka'uta, Principal of Trinity Theological College
Rev Dr Andrew Burgess, Dean/Principal, Bishopdale Theological College
Reverend Professor Murray Rae, Professor of Theology at the University of Otago and Moderator of the Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland
Dr Michael Mawson, Maclaurin Goodfellow Associate Professor of Theological and Religious Studies, University of Auckland
Dr Alistair Reese, Theologian and Historian
Luke Kaa-Morgan, Te Pouarataki mō te hikoi, Te Haahi Iriiri/Baptist Church
Very Reverend Jay Ruka, Dean of Taranaki Cathedral
Very Reverend Katie Lawrence, Dean of Wellington Cathedral
Rt Revd Dr Tom Brown, Retired Bishop of Wellington
Reverend Peter Beck, former Dean of Christchurch, Anglican
The Very Revd Ben Truman, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral
Dallas Harema, Co-Leader of Whakapuāwai
Monsignor Gerard Burns, Vicar-General, Archdiocese of Wellington
Professor Jim McAloon, Chairperson of the Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington Commission for Ecology, Justice, and Peace
Dr Alan Jamieson, Baptist Minister
Rev Jill McDonald, Presbyterian
Aaron Hardy, Kaitiaki of Te Rautini Church
John Thornley, Ex Vice-President of Te Hahi Weteriana/Methodist Church
Fr Thomas Rouse, President of the Congregational Leaders Conference of Aotearoa-New Zealand (CLCANZ)
Abi Trevathan, Kairuruku Whanake - Formation & Development Coordinator Alpine Presbytery
Rev Dan Spragg, Kaihautū Whakatipu - Ministries Coordinator, Alpine Presbytery
Alan Vink, Baptist Pastor
Alex Johnston, Co-Director, Common Grace Aotearoa
Kate Day, Co-Director, Common Grace Aotearoa
Rev. Alisa Lasi, Methodist
Rev. Damon Plimmer, Archdeacon of Central Otago
Amy Page-Whiting, Pastor of The River Ōpāwaho
Andrew Reyngoud, Baptist Pastor
Andrew Page, Pastor, Belmont Baptist Church
Rev Andrew Meek, Pastor at Oxford Terrace Baptist Church, Christchurch
Rev. Barry Jones, Methodist
Bishop John Bluck, Retired Bishop of Waiapu
Clint Gibson, Co-Leader of Edge Kingsland, Auckland
Rev Brenda Rockell, Anglican Vicar of Royal Oak, Auckland
Rev. Brett Reid, Minister, Ngaio Union Church, Wellington
Brian Turner, Past President, NZ Methodist Church
Dr. Christa McKirland, Baptist
Colin Wood, Parklands Baptist Community Church
Dan Sheed, Co-leader and pastor of Central Vineyard Church
Rev Daniel Lander, Taranaki Cathedral
Daniel Cuttriss, Associate Pastor of Manurewa Baptist Church
Danyon Morton-Chong, Key Leader/Pastor of Blueprint Church
Dave Tims, Director, Urban Neighbours of Hope
Prof David Tombs, Director of Centre for Theology and Public Issues, University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka
Rev David Graham, Wesleyan Methodist
Deacon Brenda Fawkner, Methodist
Douglas McNeill (Tapuika), Kaumatua, Messianic Māori
Kaumatua Dr Brett Mann, Te Raranga Bicultural Group Steering Team
Dr Hamish Baxter, Pastoral Leader, Baptist
Dr Jonathan Robinson, Bible Scholar, Baptist
Dr Lucy D'Aeth, Methodist
Dr Lynne Taylor, Jack Somerville Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Theology, University of Otago, Presbyterian
Dr. Gray Southon, Member, Quaker
Fr. Kevin Mowbray SM, parish priest, St Mary of the Angels, Wellington, Roman Catholic
Fr Uili Uvea, SVD. Assistant Priest at Te Awakairangi Parish, Catholic
Fraser Hardy, Lead a network of churches, Pentecostal/evangelical
Garth and Elizabeth Cant; Dr Garth Cant, Past President Methodist Church, Methodist
Rt Rev George Connor, Pīhopa Āwhina, Anglican
Grace Chamberlain, Baptist Pastor
Hamish Dobbie (Taranaki Whānui), St David's Anglican
Hannah Harris-Finnigan, Kaitiaki - Te Rautini Church
Hannah Frauenstein, Presence Pastor, Wesleyan Methodist Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Hilary Humphrey, Vicars Warden, All Saints Burwood, Christchurch, Anglican
The Rev Dr Janet Crawford, Anglican
Rev Jax Clark, Anglican
Rev Jean Malcolm, Co-Vicar at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Te Aro
Rev Jeff Odhiambo, Anglican
Rev Dr Jennifer Dawson, Parish of Pauatahanui, Anglican
Joanne Parker, Senior Leader at Te Awa Church Waitara
Rev. John Howell, Presbyterian
Rev. John Crawshaw, Anglican Diocese of Wellington
Jonathan Edmeades, Baptist Minister
Rev Karl Weeks-Dickson, St Paul's Waiwhetū, Anglican
Keith Newman, Author, public speaker, poet, Non denominational
Revd Dr Latuivai Kioa Latu Tusa, Methodist
Bradford Haami (Ngāti Awa), Ohope Christian Fellowship Church
Laura Black, Kaihautū / Director, Methodist Mission, Southern Methodist
Lauren Tate-Davis, Children’s Ministry Leader, Hope Vineyard Church
Rev Lionel Nunns, retired Minister, Presbyterian
Rev Māmari Stephens (Te Rarawa), Māori chaplain, Te Puna Karaiti - Chaplaincy VUW Te Herenga Waka Te Herenga Waka, Anglican/Te Hāhi Mihingare
Margaret Woodcock, Parish Council member, Lay Preacher, Methodist
Maria Kirkland, St Matt's Taitā Anglican Church
Mary West, Past Vice President MCNZ, Methodist
Matt Anderson, Youth Pastor at Remuera Baptist Church
Rev Metuisela Tafuna, Methodist
Rev Michael Tane (Ngāpuhi), Mihingare
Dr Chris Marshall, Emeritus Professor of Restorative Justice, Victoria University
Mr Joseph Green, Lay Pastoral Leader, Catholic Archdiocese Of Wellington
Rev Neihana Reihana (Raukawa, Ngāti Ranginui), Anglican
Neil Perry, Baptist Minister
Nick Tait, Lead Pastor of Korimako Vineyard Church
Olivia Bardsley, Youth Pastor Vineyard Churches, NZ
Patria Tamaka (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Maru, Waikato, Ngāti Kahungunu), Te Taha Māori Pōneke Rohe Delegate, Te Haahi Weteriana / Methodist
Rev. Paul Tregurtha, Methodist
Rev Pete Watson, Vicar, St Paul's Symonds Street, Auckland
Professor Paul Trebilco, Professor of Theology, University of Otago, Methodist
Pastor Grant Chivers, Independent Pentecostal
Reuben Hardie, Rev/School Chaplain, Presbyterian
Rev Alison Robinson, Anglican
Rev Andrew Spence, Co-Vicar of Peninsula Parish Wellington, Anglican
Rev Anne Thomson, Presbyterian minister
Rev Brendon McRae, Presbyterian
Rev Cate Thorn, Priest Associate, Anglican
Rev Craig Fairhall, Methodist
Rev Dr Bruce Hamill, Community Minister for Tēpu Mā Tātou, Presbyterian
Rev Dr Christine Sorensen, Minister, St John's Presbyterian Church, Papatoetoe
Rev Dr Jordan Redding, Minister of St Heliers Presbyterian Church
Rev Dr Lynne Wall, Methodist minister Tuakau Union Parish
Rev Gary Clover, retired parish presbyter & Wesleyan mission historian
Rev Gregory Hughson, Methodist
Rev Guy Benton, All Saints Hataitai Kilbirnie
Rev Ian Faulkner (Ngāi Te Rangi), Presbyter Mt Albert Methodist Parish
Rev Janet Marsh, Methodist
Rev Jim Consedine, Retired parish priest, Catholic
Rev Martin Stewart, Executive Officer Alpine Presbytery, Presbyterian
Rev Matt Chapman, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Rev Nathan Parry, Minister of Island Bay Presbyterian, Presbyterian
Rev Sarah Nothnagel, Anglican
Rev Scott Reeve, Anglican
Rev Stanley James West, Retired, former General Secretary & President, Methodist Church
Rev Suivaaia Te'o, Methodist Church NZ
Rev. Christopher Orczy, Inner City Chaplain, Christchurch, Anglican
Rev. David van Oeveren, Vicar of The Anglican Parish of Greater Hastings
Rev. Dr Clint Ussher, Lead Pastor, The Well Church, Wesleyan Methodist Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Rev. Dr Susan Thompson, Chaplain, Tamahere Eventide Home & Village, Methodist
Rev. Dr. Frank Hanson, Former Principal, Trinity Methodist Theological College Methodist
Rev. Jim Greenaway, a former Anglican Social Justice Commissioner
Rev. Mark Henderwood, Anglican
Rev. Winnie Douglas, Mihinare/Anglican
Rev Robyn Allen Goudge, Minister of Birkenhead Methodist Church, Tāmaki-makau-rau (Auckland), Methodist (Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa)
Rev’d Matthew Maslin, Curate, Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, Anglican
Revd John Matthews, Anglican
Reverend Daniel Conolly, Vicar, St John the Baptist Anglican
Rev Dr Turi Hollis, Vicar of St Margaret’s Parish, Te Kauwhata and Diocesan Enabler, Anglican
Reverend Ian Cook, Vicar of Karori Anglican
Reverend Professor Murray Rae, Professor of Theology at the University of Otago and Moderator of the Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland Presbyterian
Reverend Richard Bonifant, Vicar St Matthew-in-the-City, Anglican
Rev. Richard Noble, Anglican
Rev Roxy Gahegan, Minister of St Peter's, Ellerslie, PCANZ
Rt Revd Murray Mills, Former Bishop of Waiapu, Anglican
Rev Ruth Sandiford Phelan, Presbyter, Rotorua Methodist Parish, Methodist
Ps Sam Harvey, Lead Pastor, Bay Vineyard Church
Rev. Simon Williams, Methodist
Stuart McGregor, Baptist Minister
Rev. Stuart Simpson, Presbyterian
Rev Sue Brown, Anglican
Rev Clare Barrie, Vicar, St Luke's Anglican Church Mt Albert, Diocese of Auckland
Captain Hana Seddon (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Pūkenga), Rotorua Mission Leader, Salvation Army
Rev Petra Zaleski, Pouhono Wairua I Lead Chaplain I Waipapa Taumata Rau I The University of Auckland, Anglican
Rev. Wilson Chan, Te Hāhi Mihinare
Rev Canon Pine Campbell, Hamilton Anglican Māori Pastorate
Rajaseklhar Reddy Kommareddy, Parish Priest, Te Awakairangi Catholic Church Avalon, Wellington
Revd Peter Williams, Assistant Priest, St Michael and All Angels, Christchurch
Fr Simon Green, St Michael and All Angels, Christchurch
Stuart Macann, Co-Leader of Urban Vision
Rev. Mark Barnard, Priest, St James Māngere Bridge and CEO of Karuwhā Trust
Brian Ormond (Rongomaiwahine), Pastor, City Rock AGNZ Church, Hawke’s Bay
Cheree Ormond (Ngati Ruapani, Tūhoe), Pastor of City Rock AGNZ Church, Hawke’s Bay
Rev. Dr Kevin Connors, Catholic Church, Wellington
Rev. Christopher Kirby, Anglican Church, Gisborne
Rev. Marie Collin (Ngāti Raukawa), Māori Anglican Church, Wellington
Dave Te Hira (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Ranginui), Pastor & Chaplain, Wellington
Rev. Michael Bellizzi, Catholic Parish Priest, Kahurangi Pastoral Area, Priest at Our Lady of the Bays Parish, Nelson/Tasman
Fr James Lyons, Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington
Vince Kilpatrick, Pastor, Ōtaki Baptist Church
Ash Cain, Pastor of Pentecostal Elim Community Church Invercargill
Sister Colleen Woodcock, Catholic Sister in Manawatu-Wanganui
Gemma Macaan, Urban Vision, Ngatiawa River Monastery, Co-Team Leader
Rev. Andrew Harrex, Parish of Lawrence/Waitahuna Presbyterian Church
Rev. Watiri Maina, Vicar, Nelson, Anglican
Rev. Brad Wood, Youth Enabler, Nelson, Anglican
Rev. Dr Alfred Tong, Assistant Priest, St Francis of Assisi Ohariu Parish
Rev. Annie Hawkes, Deacon of Church of the Epiphany Masterton
Rev. Gabriel Chan, Senior Leader, Elim Church Dunedin
Kelvin and Sharon Fowler, Co-Pastors, Mercy Vineyard, Dunedin
Viv Whimster, Convenor, Methodist Lay Preachers Network
Rev John Phillips, Minister, Awatere Joint Venture Church
Rev Dr Tim McKenzie, Vicar, St Michael's, Kelburn
Dr Rebecca Burgess, Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies, Bishopdale Theological College
Anne McNeil, Retired Baptist Pastor, Auckland
Rev Barbara Dineen, Anglican, St Paul's Cathedral Otago
Timothy Holah, Grace Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Hei Hei
Fr Maurice Carmody, Retired Parish Priest, Wellington
Tumua Masina, Leader of Equippers (Acts Churches NZ), Rotorua
PS. Dr. Froly Horn, Senior Pastor at Southside Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Auckland
Rev Wendy Scott (Ngāpuhi), Priest in Charge in the Parish of St Matthews, Masterton
Rev Paul O’Conner, Catholic Church Wellington
Michael Kettle, Kaitiaki of Te Awa Church Waitara
Jeff Cummings (Ngāpuhi), Assistant Pastor, Vineyard Christian Church
Dr James Baty, Pastor of Capital Vineyard Church, Wellington
Kevin Waugh, Pastor, Salvation Army Manawatu-Wanganui
Elliot Rice, Baptist Pastor, Wellington Central Baptist Church
Dr Michael Frost, Co-leader of Edge Kingsland, Auckland
Rev. Esther Chan, Te Mihana Māori, Te Pihopatanga o Te Tai Tokerau
Rev Tumanako Tomo (Waikato, Ngati Kauwhata, Rangitane), Māori Anglican, Auckland
Nicola Mountfort Griffiths, Baptist Pastor, Auckland
Matai Bennett (Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Pentecostal Pastor, Bay of Plenty
Rev Scott Parekowhai (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki), Te Mihana Māori, Te Pihopatanga o Te Tai Tokerau
Bronwyn Tait, Pastor at Grace Vineyard Church, Christchurch
Des Ng Shiu, Assistant Pastor, Southside Vineyard Church, Auckland
Rev Dr Geoff New, Principal Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership
Rachel Grant, Lawyer and member of Parish Council, Presbyterian, Flagstaff Community Church, Dunedin
Jacinda Lilly, Pastor, Coast Vineyard Church
Lyndon Reiff, Lead Pastor, Mahurangi Vineyard
David Maharey, Pastor, Oasis Family Church Blenheim
Vanessa Gordon, Presbyterian, Elder at Flagstaff Community Church, Dunedin
Sarah-Jane Peez, Senior Leadership Team & City Campus Pastor, Grace Vineyard Church, Christchurch
Robin Horn, Pastor, Southside Vineyard Church, Auckland
Dr Froly Horn, Senior Pastor at Southside Vineyard Church, Auckland
Jonathan Rankin, Pastor of Urban Vineyard Church, Auckland
Rev. Colette Stevens, Otaki Parish Enabler
Rev. Steven Goulstone, Wellington South Baptist Church
Rev. Donald Phillipps, Methodist Church, Dunedin
Brendan Abernethy, Pastor, Vineyard Christchurch
Rev. Miriam Freeman-Plume, Deacon Assistant, Anglican Parish of Pauatahanui
Rev. Allister Lane, Minister St John's in the City, Te Aro
Martyn Day, Pastor of South Harbour Vineyard Church, Auckland
Clark Alcock (Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu), Pastor of Grace Vineyard Beach Campus, Christchurch
Rev Gabriel Hawke, Presbyterian, Otago
Matt Crawshaw, Anglican Diocese of Wellington/Bishop's Community Development Trust
Rev. Stephen Bright, Anglican, Waikato
Rev. Andy Hickman, Co-Vicar Onslow Anglicans, Khandallah
Anne Preston, Methodist Minister, Christchurch North
Rev. Cath Growcott, Vicar, St Barnabas Anglican Church, Wellington
Ven Julie Rokotakala, Vicar of Kāpiti Anglicans
Rev. Max Reid, Methodist Minister, Otago
John-Paul Metcalfe, Pastor of C3 Church, Rotorua
Helen Sturgeon, Baptist Pastor, Christchurch
Mark Edgecombe, Assistant Pastor, St Christopher's Anglican Church, Tawa
Odele Habets, Pastor, Albany Baptist
Karen Morrison-Hume, KSO - Retired Missioner Mahi Mihinare/Anglican Action
Rev Jethro Day, Anglican
Pastor Andrew Maude, Baptist
Pastor Sean Pawson, Baptist
Rev Henry Yap, Chinese Anglican Mission
Rev Caro Willis, St Matthew's Anglican Church, Taitā
Rev Pamela Bird, Anglican Priest
Gavin and Hope Welsh, Kaitiaki, Pentecostal
Rev Graham Conlon, Priest in Charge, Rangitikei Parish
Reverend Terry Alve, Priest, Porirua Anglicans
Stephen Gerbault, Pastor, City Assembly of God-Turning Point Napier
Rev Dr Rangi Nicholson, Researcher and Priest, Rangiātea Māori Anglican Pastorate
Rev Leanne Munro, Moderator, Presbytery Central Nukuhau Tapu
Rev Stephen Black, Chaplain to Waikato Diocesan School for Girls
Dr Anne Shave, Pastoral Assistant at Cashmere Presbyterian Church, Christchurch
Rev Chris Dodds, Anglican Diocese of Wellington
Ven. Martin Robinson, Archdeacon, Anglican Diocese of Wellington
Rev Rory Pilbrow, Anglican
Dave Sutherland, Church leader, Christian Community Churches
Revd Canon Paul Dyer, Anglican
Rev Ross Scott, Lead Chaplain, Wellington Hospital
Rev. Tracey Peters, Taihape, Anglican
Helen Brereton, Senior Pastor, Glenfield Baptist Church
Fr Jeffrey Drane, Catholic
Reverend Canon Pania Houkamau-Ngaheu (Ngāti Porou, Tūhoe), Anglican
Rev Sissiel Henderson (Ngāti Pahauwera, Ngāti Maniapoto, Tūhoe), Priest in Charge, Anglican
Tiowaana Harrington (Ngāpuhi), Mōrehu and āwhina, Rātana
Ruth Swale, Anglican Social Justice Advocate
Matt Gordon, Baptist Pastor
Fr Tomy Kearns, Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Valleys Parish Heretanga/Stokes Valley
Adam Hutchinson, Baptist Pastor
David Kitchingman, Retired Convener Mornington Explorers Group
Fr John van der Kaa, Roman Catholic
Rev Peter Benge, Wellington City Mission
Larry Lombardi, Senior Pastor
Kathleen Macdonald, Pastor
Rev Patricia Jacobson, Methodist / Co-Operating
Rev. Deborah & Brian Paton, Anglican
Fr Geoff Paterson, Assistant Priest (Retired), Anglican
Dr Elizabeth Julian, RSM (Sisters of Mercy New Zealand)
Reverend John Marcon, Waikato, Anglican
Graham Davison, Senior Minister, Assemblies of God
Rev Mark Gibson, Minister, Christchurch North Methodist Parish, Former President of the Conference of Churches in Aotearoa New Zealand
Rev. Peter Sampson, Anglican
Rev Sue Fordyce, Anglican
Rev Craig Harris, Whanganui Anglicans
Rev Dr Helen Jacobi MNZM, Anglican
Ben Harrowfield, Pastor of CityLife Church, New Plymouth
Rev Glynn Cardy, Presbyterian
Rev Stephen King, Anglican
Wendy Geerling, Baptist Pastor
Rev Chris Darnell, Vicar of St Mary's Whitby
Rev Kat Maxwell, Anglican
Rev Norman West, Methodist
Rev Mo Morgan, Presbyterian
Hayden Hewitt, Church Leadership, Christian Community Church
Jaanine Harris, Chaplain, Methodist Mission Northern
Rachel Roberts, Baptist Pastor
Rev Elizabeth Harcourt, Anglican
Stephanie Pettigrew, Chairperson, Presbyterian Support Otago
Jody Kilpatrick, Baptist Minister
Dr. Richard Goodwin, Academic Director at Pathways College of Bible and Mission; trustee of Christian Community Churches of NZ Board
Rev Hana Popea-Dell, Presbyterian
Rev Canon Cameron Pickering (Ngāpuhi), Chaplain, Christ's College Canterbury
Debbie Spackman, Pastor of Te Atatū Baptist
Mark Campbell, Elder of St Columba Presbyterian Church, Botany
Rev Lucy Flatt, Vicar St John’s, Timaru
Rev Dr Carolyn Robertson, Vicar, All Saints Burwood
Rev Sally Carter, Presbyter, North Taranaki Methodist Parish, Te Whānau Weteriana o Taranaki
Rev. Jonathan Barb, Minister at Linwood Avenue Union Church
Rev Dr Selwyn Yeoman, Presbyterian
Rev Spanky Moore, Anglican Minister
Rev Bosco Peters, Retired Anglican Chaplain
Rev. Rory Grant, Timaru Presbyterian
Andrea Grant, parish councilor, Presbyterian
Rev Sage Harris, Presbyterian
Rev Grant Ridout, Presbyterian
Pā Peter Healy, Māori Pastoral Care, Catholic
Pastor James Beck, The River
Amy Tait (Ngai Tai), Lead Pastor of Korimako Vineyard Church
Rev Dr Te Hira Paenga (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu), Anglican
Rev Sonya Lewthwaite, Anglican Priest
Rev Dr Matthew Jack, Presbyterian Minister
Rev Richard Apperley, Co-priest in charge, St Michael and All Angels, Newlands-Paparārangi
Rev Rebecca Apperley, Co-priest in charge, St Michael and All Angels, Newlands-Paparārangi
Dave and Jill Moore, Pentecostal Pastors
Rodney Read, Sports Chaplain
Stephen Worsley, Associate Pastor, Auckland Baptist Tabernacle
Lieutenant Lexee Dunlop, Corps Office & Community Ministries Director, Whakatāne Salvation Army
Andrew Keall, Co-leader, Bush Community Church, Pahiatua
David Moko, Mema Te Rūnanga Whakawhanaunga i ngā Haahi o Aotearoa
Ven Dr Anne Van Gend, Archdeacon of Rural South
Rev Peter Appleby, Anglican
Kellie Kirkland, Vestry member Te Karaiti te Pou Herenga Waka
Rev Dr Michael McCabe, Catholic
Deacon Matt White, Catholic
Pastor Wesley Smith, New Life Churches
Daryn Short, Kaitiaki of Te Awa Church Waitara
Douglas Rowan, Bishop's Warden in Charge, Levin Anglican Parish
Rev Diana Rattray, GM Spirituality, The Selwyn Foundation
Ngahuia Rolsten, Presbyterian Enabler
Rev Learne McGrath, Anglican
Reverend Paul Fletcher, Anglican
Rev Dr Marie Ropeti-Apisaloma, Presbyterian
Pastor John Catmur, Baptist
Pastor Ken Keyte, Baptist
Jen Mano-Martinez, Leader of The Logos Project, Catholic
Rev Amber Leonard Schoss, Chaplain, Urban Vision
Manuel Beazley, Episcopal Vicar for Māori, Ngāi Tupoto, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Hao, Ngāti Kaharau, Ngāpuhi
Rev Darryn R Hickling, Methodist
Rev Jacqui Stevenson, Anglican
Dr Mary Easthem, QSM, Secretary of the Parish Council, St. Brigid's Church
Rev Michael Holdaway, Otago Peninsula Anglican Parish
Bishop Derek Eaton QSM, retired Anglican bishop
Rev John Carr, Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa (Methodist)
Rev. Jessie Thornton-Black, Anglican Diocese of Wellington
Rev Vicki Terrell Disability Ministry Educator, Anglican
Bob Robinson, Laidlaw College
Rev Dr Rangi Nicholson, researcher and priest, Rangiātea Māori Anglican Pastorate, Ngāti Raukawa ki Te Au o Te Tonga, Ngāti Toarangatira, Ngāi Tahu, Rangitāne, Ngāti Kuia and Ngāti Pāhauwera
Pastor Gregory and Joanne Forde, interdenominational, Ngāti Raukawa
Reverend Adair Oosterbroek, Presbyterian
Reverend Eric Oosterbroek, Presbyterian
Rev Dr Rob Kilpatrick, Baptist
Caleb Tangaroa Haurua, Baptist, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi
Rev Charles Waldegrave, Anglican
Ven Jan Clark, Vicar General Anglican Diocese of Dunedin
Rev. Matt Bruns, Anglican
Rev Dr Michael Baker, Anglican
Andrew Balwin, Petone Baptist
Pastor Hayden Allen, Baptist
Rob Petrini, Senior Pastor Hutt City Baptist Church
Andrew Sangster, pastor at New Plymouth West Baptist Community Church
Pastor Michael Krausse, Baptist
Dr Ian W. Payne, Board Member, Pathways College of Bible and Mission
Dr. Richard Goodwin, Academic Director at Pathways College of Bible and Mission; trustee of Christian Community Churches of NZ Board
Rev. John Graveston, Diocese of Dunedin Child Youth & Family Educator
Pastor Tim Hart, Māngere Bridge Baptist Church
Luke Deans, Youth Pastor of Māngere Bridge Baptist Church
Sophia Nobbs, Youth Pastor of Ponsonby Baptist Church
Pastor Andrew Bollen, Baptist
Rev Sam Tovey-Duckworth, Anglican
Rev Luca Tovey-Duckworth, Anglican
Genevieve Vine, Co-Leader, Ngatiawa River Monastery
Dr George Wieland, Research Fellow, Carey Baptist College
Rev Alec Clark, Anglican
Dr Michael Godfrey, Interim Priest, Whakatipu Anglican
Colleen Hutchinson, Baptist Pastor
Rev Canon Rose Scott, Priest in charge of Holy Trinity Church, Port Chalmers
Sarah Auld, Regional Leader Otago-Southland for Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand
Rev David (Rawiri) Dell, Regional Moderator - Presbytery Central
Matthew Hawkins, Sports Chaplain, CCCNZ
Rev Susan Slaughter, Anglican
Very Revd Dr Tony Curtis SCP, Dean of Dunedin
Bishop Colin Campbell, Catholic Bishop Emeritus of Dunedin Diocese
Deacon Danny Karatea-Goddaed, Hāto Hōhepa Kākāriki - St Joseph's Church Kakariki 1914 (Ngāpuhi, Te Kapotai, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Maniapoto)
Pouhono Rev'd Jacynthia Murphy, Mihinare (Te Rarawa, Ngapuhi, Ngati Wai)
Rev Sophie Silvester, Anglican
Kathleen Rita Cahill - Catholic sister of St Joseph, Bay of Plenty.
Sister Meg Hills, Catholic sister of St Joseph
Faye Blossom, Liaison Person, Te Taha Maori - Waikato Rohe, Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa
Josie Te Kahu, Area Leader Northland, Baptist
Brother Phillip Jeffares, Order of Friars Minor Catholic
Sister Anne Powell, Catholic
Sister Clare O'Connor, Catholic
Sister Mary Jackson Kay, Catholic
Sister Kathleen Ryan, Catholic
Sister Margaret Anne Mills dolc, Sisters of Compassion, Catholic
Sister Sue Cosgrove, Catholic
Sister Carmel Cole, Catholic
Sister Margaret Monaghan, Province Leader Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, Catholic
Sister Merle Hiscock, Catholic
Sister Elizabeth Snedden, Coordinator Religious of the Sacred Heart in NZ, Catholic,
Sister Noreen McGrath, Catholic
Fr Thomas Thanniyanickal Ouseph, Superior, Claret house
Sister Colleen Woodcock, Catholic
Sister Moya Campbell, Catholic
Sister Lucille Taylor, Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart
Sister Anne Burk, Catholic
Sister Lee Tan, Catholic
Sister Tina Capeli, Catholic
Sister Marie Skidmore, Catholic
Sister Margaret O’Neill, Catholic
Sister Makareta Tawaroa, Catholic

Te reo Māori version

Translated by Piripi Walker

He reta tuwhera nā ngā kaihautū Karaitiana ki ngā Mema Pāremata katoa

E nga reo, e nga mana, e ngā rau rangatira mā

Ka koa te hunga hohou rongo: ka huaina hoki rātou he tamariki nā te Atua. (Matiu 5:9)

E Ihowa, ko wai e noho ki tōu tapenakara? Ko ia he tapatahi nei te haere, he tika te mahi, he kōrero pono anō i roto i tōna ngākau... Ahakoa mate i tana oati, kāhore e whakapaheketia e ia. (Waiata 15)

E tautoko ana mātou i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, e whakahē ana i te Pire mō ngā Mātāpono Tiriti e marohitia nei

E kōrero ana mātou hei kaihatutū nō ngā Hāhi Karaitiana puta noa i Aotearoa me te whakapuaki i tō mātou ū ki Te Tiriti o Waitangi. E whakaū ana mātou ko tā Te Tiriti o Waitangi he tautiaki i te Tino Rangatiratanga o ngā hapū me ngā iwi. Kia toitū te rangatiratanga o te whenua, me ngā taonga.

Nā konei kei te tāpae mātou i tā mātou whakakāhore rawa i Te Pire mō ngā Mātāpono Tiriti e marohitia nei.

E taupatupatu ana te Pire e marohitia nei ki Te Tiriti o Waitangi tūturu, inā hoki, kāore e whakaae ki ngā motika tōpū o ngā iwi Māori, ki tō rātou hononga rānei ki te Karauna. Mā te Pire hoki e kari tā Te Tiriti e whakapūmau nei, me ngā hua papai o te hia ngahuru tau i tohea i roto i ngā mahi o te ture, o ngā whakawākanga, me ngā kaupapa here.

Kua rongo hoki mātou me te āwangawanga anō i ngā kitenga a te pūrongo tārewa a Te Rōpū Whakamana i te Tiriti o Waitangi, Ngā Mātāpono – The Principles, me tā rātou kī, ko tā te Pire rā he “whakariroi i ngā kupu o Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”

Mā Te Pire mō ngā Mātāpono Tiriti e whakapōraruraru, e tūkino pea te noho pai o te tangata i Aotearoa

E rongo ana mātou, me te āwangawanga nui anō, ngā pānga kino o te Pire ki te piringa tahitanga o ngā tāngata o Aotearoa.

Ko tā Te Tiriti o Waitangi he hora kaupapa mō te rapu ara mō te katoa, mō te whakaae me te hohou i te rongo mō ngā take hē o mua, ka noho hoki hei whakamaunga atu mō te ihu o te waka mō tō tātou manapori, kia tika, kia tōkeke.

Otiia, ki a mātou mā Te Pire mō ngā Mātāpono Tiriti ka tō kē tēnā, ka tō kē tēnā, o ngā iwi o Aotearoa, ka tiria ngā kōrero horihori ki te katoa, ka raru ngā mahi a te tangata mō te whakaoranga i muri i te mamae nui, me te maunga ā-rongo.

He hononga ā-kawenata Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Kei te whakaū mātou i te hononga mutunga-kore, i te hononga tapu, hononga tuku iho ki Te Tiriti o Waitangi, he hononga ka kīa e te tini o te hunga Karaitiana he kawenata tapu.

Ko mātou te hunga whiwhi i ēnei kawenga tuku iho, mai i ngā kaikauwhau tuatahi i te rongopai i whai wāhi ki te whakatakoto, ki te whakatairanga, ki te waitohu hoki i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, e whakaae ana mātou kua herea mātou kia noho hei kaihāpai i te mana o Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

E tāpae ana mātou i te kī, tērā tonu mātou me ō mātou hāhi ake e mahi nui kia kawea ngā akoranga mō Te Tiriti o Waitangi ki ngā taumata e tika ana, kia whāia hoki ngā mahi hohou rongo a ngā rā kei mua i te aroaro. Ka mahi tonu mātou kia whakaūngia te noho pai o te tangata i Aotearoa mō ngā tāngata katoa e noho ana i konei, mō te Tangata Tiriti me te Tangata Whenua, e ai ki ngā ritenga o Te Tiriti of Waitangi.

Tēnei mātou te karanga atu nei ki ngā Mema Pāremata katoa kia whakakāhoretia Te Pire mō ngā Mātāpono Tiriti.

Nā reira kei te titiro mātou me te whakahē hoki ki Te Pire mō ngā Mātāpono Tiriti e marohitia nei, me te māharahara nui. Tēnei mātou te tāpae i tā mātou inoi ki ngā Mema Pāremata katoa kia mahia ngā mea katoa ka taea e rātou kia kaua ai e kawea tēnei Pire ki te Komiti Whāiti, kia mahi tonu kia whakapūmautia anō te wairua o te hononga Tiriti.

Nā mātou i roto i te aroha, me te tūmanako kia tika ai tātou me tō tātou iwi ā ngā rā e tū mai nei, i te āhua o te whenua rangatira.

Inā te rārangi ingoa o te hunga nāna i waitohu tēnei reta…