Dear Minister Reti,

Hobson’s Pledge is a large, supporter-driven, advocacy group which believes that all New Zealanders should be equal before the law, irrespective of when they or their ancestors arrived in New Zealand.

We look to the words of New Zealand’s first Governor, William Hobson, as inspiration when he said at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi - “he iwi tahi tātou”, “we are now one people”.

We are writing with concern around the proposed Gene Technology Bill of which you are the responsible Minister. We do not take a position on gene technology but are very concerned about the multiple clauses within the Bill that apply separate treatment for Māori. We note references to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi as well as the creation of Technical Advisory Committee and a Māori Advisory Committee. That genetics are universal and fundamental to all living organisms, we are unsure why such a Bill needs to start applying distinctions based on race.

Hobson’s Pledge also notes the very clear statements within the National Party and New Zealand First Coalition agreement that address equal citizenship and among many references states clearly:

“The Coalition Government will work to improve outcomes for all New Zealanders, and will not advance policies that seek to ascribe different rights and responsibilities to New Zealanders on the basis of their race or ancestry.”

We would welcome your reply as to how you reconcile a Bill that clearly ascribes different rights and responsibilities based on race and ancestry with the statements in this coalition agreement.

We look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully
‍HOBSON'S PLEDGE