Statement: Continue to embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi in education
The following statement from Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand affirms that Caritas agrees with the NZ Catholic Education Office’s (NZCEO) position in response to the proposed Education & Training Amendment Bill (No. 2). It concurs that Catholic schools should continue to live out Catholic social teaching principles, which include giving effect to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
28 November 2025 – Wellington - Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand affirms and supports the recent position of NZCEO regarding the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No. 2), which proposes removing the requirement for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi from the National Education and Training Act.
Vital opportunity lost
Caritas recognises Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a foundational covenant that acknowledges the special place of Māori as tangata whenua and establishes the mutual rights and obligations that bind all peoples in Aotearoa. Upholding Te Tiriti is integral to our mission to promote justice, dignity, solidarity, and the common good, in accordance with Catholic social teaching.
“Te Tiriti is not simply a historical document,” says Caritas Chief Executive Mena Antonio. “It is a living relationship that continues to guide how we walk together in Aotearoa. For Caritas, honouring Te Tiriti is essential to our mission and to the wellbeing of our communities.”
Continue to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
While legislation may shift, we echo NZCEO’s call to Catholic schools across Aotearoa – to continue embedding tikanga Māori, te reo Māori, local mātauranga and meaningful partnership with Māori communities into policy, curriculum, and daily school life. These practices reflect our commitment not only to cultural respect, but to the flourishing of all ākonga, their whānau, and our shared society.
“Catholic schools have long upheld the values of partnership, protection, participation, and human dignity,” says Antonio. “These values are central to both Te Tiriti and Catholic teaching. We encourage our schools to continue leading with integrity and care for all learners.”