Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the Government had amended 19 pieces of legislation to ensure references to the principles of the Treaty were clear and consistent.
“We do not agree or accept that this legislation weakens Treaty obligations,” Goldsmith said.
The Ngāti Kahungunu horse trek in Hastings on its way to Parliament. Photo / Jack Riddell
Barber led the trek from Waimārama on Friday morning, meeting riders from Tairāwhiti, Mahia, Wairoa and Mohaka before they headed to Ngā Pou o Heretaunga in Hastings’ Civic Square via Havelock North.
He said the first leg of the journey had been long and he was a bit sore. Still, he was ready for the challenge of the ride to Parliament, where the group would deliver the petition to Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel around midday on Tuesday.
He said motorists had been patient with the hoiho horse convoy as they rode on the road.
First Nation groups in North America had also contacted him before the journey began.
“They’re looking at this and thinking, ‘Wow, what an awesome kaupapa’. So they’re supporting us from all the way over there.”
Barber said the route had been mapped out and horses would be loaded on to floats where it wasn’t safe to ride, and he expected the herd to grow as the group made its way to Wellington.
From Ngā Pou o Heretaunga, the group headed to Pakipaki Marae where they would stay the night.
On Saturday, they would travel to Tapairu Marae, Waipawa, on the State Highway 2 walking track and through Waipukurau.
On Sunday, the group would travel to Mākirikiri Marae on SH2 through Dannevirke, then ride to Hurunui o Rangi Marae in Gladstone on Monday before riding to Parliament along Te Ara Tupua Walking Track.
Barber said he would like the petition to reach 50,000 signatures by Tuesday.
“But to me, it’s not really about the number. This is a kaupapa regardless.”
Jack Riddell is a multimedia journalist with Hawke’s Bay Today and has worked in radio and media in the UK, Germany, and New Zealand.