90%: Honouring Te Tiriti important

New research shows nearly 90% of people in Aotearoa believe Te Tiriti o Waitangi is important for everyone to feel a sense of belonging, and that New Zealanders are largely united in their support of Te Tiriti. 

An increasing number of adults think harmonious race relations through honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi is important.

72% hold this view, up from 66% in 2023.

These are among results of a survey conducted by Horizon Research for Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission in December 2024. The research aims to understand New Zealanders’ views on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and how it should be honoured. It follows a similar survey piloted by the Commission in 2023. 

The Commission says: Signed in 1840 by rangatira Māori and the Crown, Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the core agreement that affirms a place to belong and stand for everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand. In the words of the late Bishop Manuhuia Bennett, it was “the promise of two peoples to take the best possible care of each other”. 

Most respondents agreed that the signing of Te Tiriti is a significant event in New Zealand’s history and an important part of our national identity. 

The research highlighted that close to four out of five people want to see respectful discussion of Te Tiriti and race relations, rather than political rhetoric, and a majority (71% of those surveyed) also believe it’s important that Te Tiriti is protected within New Zealand laws. 

“The rights and responsibilities agreed in Te Tiriti are also human rights. The Commission is committed to building a future Aotearoa where everyone feels they belong, and we respect each other's mana, dignity, and rights. The pathway to this future will be built on everyone in Aotearoa understanding, valuing, and protecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” says Dayle Takitimu, Rongomau Taketake (Indigenous Rights Governance Partner) for the Commission (pictured).

Trusted information sources:

The survey also ranked the National Library of New Zealand (44%), the Waitangi Tribunal (41%, significantly up from 36% in 2023) and Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission (29% up from 25% in 2023) as the most trusted sources of information on Te Tiriti. 

As well as providing a broad overview of New Zealanders’ views, the research broke down how particular demographics felt about Te Tiriti, showing strong support across regional, ethnic and income cohorts (71% overall) for Te Tiriti to be protected in our laws and constitution [see editor’s note].   

Takitimu says one of the most encouraging aspects of the polling data is that New Zealand is largely united on wanting to see Te Tiriti honoured. 

“Te Tiriti is the agreement that affirms everyone a place in Aotearoa. As this survey shows, New Zealanders want everyone to have a strong sense of belonging in this country and it is only through honouring Te Tiriti that we can do that.” 

Editor’s notes: 

• The statement: “The Treaty / Te Tiriti being protected in New Zealand's laws and constitution” was supported by 81% of business managers/executives, 88% of teachers, nurses, police, 82% in households earning $150-200K, 78% of those earning less than $50k and 78% in those living in regional towns. 
• The Horizon Research Human Rights and Te Tiriti Treaty Survey Report can be downloaded here. It is also available on the commission’s web site.
• The survey was conducted nationwide between 16th and 21st December, 2024. There were 1,043 respondents aged 18+, and the survey has margin of error of ±3% overall. 
• The total sample is weighted on age, gender, 2023 Party Vote, region, personal income and ethnicity to match the New Zealand adult population.