The Eastern Bay of Plenty Principals’ Association has written to the education minister reiterating their continued support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the school curriculum.

The association represents principals from kura across the Eastern Bay.

Recent amendments to the Education and Training Act 2020 remove the explicit requirement for school boards to “give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi”.

In their open letter to Minister of Education Erica Standford, local principals acknowledge that legislation may change but say what has not changed is the reality in their schools.

“For us as principals, Te Tiriti o Waitangi remains foundational to the wellbeing, belonging, and success of our tamariki.

“Across the Eastern Bay, many of our school boards have spoken publicly to reaffirm their commitment to giving effect to Te Tiriti. As principals, we stand in full partnership with our boards in this stance and support them in making their commitments visible to their communities.

“In our day-to-day leadership, we see that Te Tiriti-aligned practice is not an onerous obligation, but a powerful and positive framework for schooling in Aotearoa.

“It shapes how we design curriculum, build relationships with mana whenua and whānau, and create conditions where Māori ākonga can thrive as Māori alongside their peers.

The letter, signed by association president Mārama Stewart, the association president and principal of Apanui School in Whakatāne, says removing explicit Te Tiriti obligations from education law risks undermining the important work schools are engaged in to reduce the equity gap between Māori and non-Māori ākonga.

“It sends a message that partnership with Māori is optional rather than foundational, and it jeopardises the momentum of genuine, hard-won progress in culturally sustaining practice across our region and beyond.

“As Eastern Bay of Plenty principals, we therefore affirm our strong support for boards that have publicly restated their commitment to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“We also reiterate our own professional commitment to upholding Te Tiriti in our leadership, curriculum, and relationships with ākonga, whānau, and iwi.”

The principals have sought assurance that the Ministry of Education will continue to provide clear guidance, resources, and expectations that honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a living, practical foundation for schooling in Aotearoa.

“For us, and for our boards, this is not a symbolic gesture but an essential part of how we serve our communities.”