Te Pāti Māori have launched a petition calling for constitutional change, including removing the British royal family as head of state.
Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
It also calls for a constitution centred on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which would include a Māori parliament and returning land to iwi and hapū.
Co-leader Rawiri Waititi said the Crown has failed in its duty of care, and the country is ready to relieve them of that duty.
"The Crown are intent on 'settling' Te Tiriti because they are unwilling to honour it. What we've had until now is a one-sided relationship, completely defined by the Crown," he said.
"That looks more like a dictatorship than a partnership."
The petition is based on a Mana Motuhake policy blueprint released by the party last year.
"This is an opportunity to rebalance the scales of power in Aotearoa. To create an Aotearoa that respects the mana of papatūanuku and her descendants, and leaves no one behind", said co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
