Ngāti Kahungunu riders deliver 52,672-signature petition to Parliament to protect Treaty provisions

A convoy of approximately 30 horse riders representing Ngāti Kahungunu arrived at the steps of Parliament on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, to deliver a 52,672-signature petition. Known as Ngā Kaieke Hōiho o Ngāti Kahungunu, the group called for an immediate halt to government plans to amend Te Tiriti o Waitangi provisions across 19 pieces of legislation. As reported by RNZ and Waatea News, the riders departed from Waimārama Marae in Hawke’s Bay the previous Friday. The starting location holds deep significance as the home of Ngāti Kurukuru chief Harawira Mahikai Te Tātere, an 1840 Treaty signatory. The hīkoi traveled through the iwi heartland, connecting with groups from Heretaunga, Ahuriri, and Wairoa, and passing through Havelock North, Waipawa, and the Wairarapa. The movement seeks to block a legislative review—mandated by the coalition agreement between National and NZ First—intended to provide legal consistency by amending Treaty references. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed the Bill would have its first reading this week, while Minister Shane Jones told Waatea News that current Treaty references are not uniform or appropriate in all contexts. However, Ngāti Kahungunu chair Bayden Barber, who led the group, emphasized that Te Tiriti is the unique founding agreement of the nation, signed by both tūpuna and the Crown. Barber noted that the significant signature count, which grew from 20,000 at the start of the trek to over 52,000, reflects broad support from both Māori and Pākehā. Barber documented the journey via live broadcasts, noting the riders ranged in age from 12 to 75. While horses were initially restricted from the grounds, Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee contacted Barber on Tuesday morning to permit one horse to enter the precinct for the official handover. The petition was received at midday by Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel alongside other opposition MPs. Tangaere-Manuel praised the effort as a demonstration of the value Aotearoa places on the Treaty. Ngāti Kahungunu deputy chair Hayden Hape highlighted deep concerns regarding the removal of Treaty principles from government mandates, while Barber added the timing was intended to encourage Māori participation in the upcoming election, reminding the public that Te Tiriti remains a covenant for the benefit of the entire nation.