School boards Treaty requirement removal

The story so far

The Government announced in early November 2025 that it would remove the requirement for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with Education Minister Erica Stanford saying the duty sits with the Crown and the change would focus on Māori equity.^{4 Nov 2025} The decision drew shock from education leaders and political figures, and the group Hobson's Pledge claimed it as a victory, prompting Sir Ian Taylor to question who was running the country.^{4, 13 Nov 2025} The change was made through amendments to the Education and Training Act, and in response more than 1,000 school boards, kura and principals' associations pledged to keep upholding Te Tiriti, with lawyer Tania Waikato compiling a list of signatories.^{21 Nov 2025} Waikato later rejected Stanford's claim that schools were under pressure to reaffirm their commitment, as the pledge, known as Te Rārangi Rangatira, grew to more than 1,300 schools.^{27 Nov 2025} The Ministry of Education had advised Stanford to consult Māori before making the change, and she has maintained that Treaty obligations rest with the Crown.^{4 Dec 2025}

Latest

On 8 December, Stanford received a petition signed by nearly 24,000 people, calling on the Government to reverse the changes, and she and iwi leader Rahui Papa held a joint press conference.^{8 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 4 Nov 2025Government announces removal of school board Treaty of Waitangi requirement
2. 13 Nov 2025Hobson's Pledge claims victory; Sir Ian Taylor questions government leadership
3. 21 Nov 2025Over 1,000 schools pledge to keep upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi
4. 27 Nov 2025Tania Waikato rejects minister's claim of pressure; pledge passes 1,300 schools
5. 4 Dec 2025Ministry advice revealed: consult Māori before changing Treaty clause
6. 8 Dec 2025Nearly 24,000-signature petition delivered to Stanford outside Parliament

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.