ACT leader David Seymour is open to meeting with the organisers of a hīkoi in support of the Treaty of Waitangi, despite his Treaty Principles Bill being set for its first reading this week. The hīkoi, organized by ‘Toitū te Tiriti’, has gathered for a pōwhiri and is set to arrive at Parliament next Tuesday. While academics and government entities have criticized the bill, Seymour hopes opposition will focus on specific objections to its contents. The bill has also faced opposition from Labour, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori, with calls to scrap it. Green MP Teanau Tuiono and Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbbie Ngarewa-Packer have expressed support for the hīkoi and emphasized the importance of standing in unity against the proposed legislation. Seymour is willing to discuss the bill with hīkoi organizers upon its arrival in Wellington, highlighting the need for communication and understanding.
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