Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Claim student union bill breaches Treaty of Waitangi

Updated at 6:04 am on 30 September 2011

The Maori Students' Association says legislation making student union membership voluntary, is a breach of the Treaty of Waitangi.

MPs supported the bill becoming law on Wednesday by a majority of five votes.

Students claim it will take away sustainable funding for welfare, education and advocacy services.

The tumuaki (president) of Te Mana Akonga, Jacqualene Poutu, says tangata whenua rights have been compromised, and that's prompted the association to file a Waitangi Tribunal claim.

She says the Government has not upheld its responsibility to act in good faith and acknowledge Maori sovereignty.

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