> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://goodoil.news/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Schools face political pressure over Treaty clause repeal, MPs and advocacy groups say
- URL: https://goodoil.news/schools-face-political-pressure-over-treaty-clause-repeal-mps-and-advocacy-groups-say/
- Published: 2025-11-28T23:17:24.000Z
- Updated: 2025-11-29T01:41:39.000Z
- Description: “Unions are standing over principals and school boards pressuring them to sign their anti-govt pledge."
- Author: Centrist
- Tags: News

Summarised by [Centrist](https://centrist.nz/?ref=goodoil.news)

**National MP Sam Uffindell says unions are pressuring principals and school boards to sign political statements opposing the government’s changes to education law.** 

**His comments follow Labour and Green criticism of the coalition’s decision to repeal section 127 of the Education Amendment Bill (No 2), which had required schools to “give effect” to the Treaty of Waitangi.**

According to Uffindell, educators are facing direct lobbying to publicly reject the repeal. “Unions are standing over principals and school boards pressuring them to sign their anti-govt pledge. Frankly disgusting,” he wrote.

> CTU President Sandra Grey, has posted an upclose video in which she arguably comes across as being aggressive and angry……in an effort to convince people no one is being bullied to sign onto the Treaty of Waitangi in schools list. [pic.twitter.com/v0gqexstx4](https://t.co/v0gqexstx4?ref=goodoil.news)
> 
> — Suit and tie (@Suitandtie9999) [November 28, 2025](https://twitter.com/Suitandtie9999/status/1994216548211298697?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=goodoil.news)

Hobson’s Pledge says more than 1,000 school boards have signalled they will continue applying Treaty obligations in governance and teaching despite the law change. 

The organisation argues this places political activism ahead of learning outcomes and puts pressure on volunteer board members. It claims parents have been contacting them with examples of schools continuing to embed Treaty-based frameworks.

> Updated total is now 1367 schools – that amounts to 54% so far.  
>  
> Attached are some response from Principals around the country. [https://t.co/TEZedaODLM](https://t.co/TEZedaODLM?ref=goodoil.news) [pic.twitter.com/eBeS830fbQ](https://t.co/eBeS830fbQ?ref=goodoil.news)
> 
> — MaoriGirl (@HelenaT57230672) [November 27, 2025](https://twitter.com/HelenaT57230672/status/1993956136761123229?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=goodoil.news)

Education Minister Erica Stanford has defended the repeal, saying section 127 was “vague” and placed unfair legal expectations on boards. Hobson’s Pledge is encouraging supporters to contact Stanford to back the change.

The group also alleges some schools have been contacted or criticised by activists for not taking public positions. It argues that political campaigns within the education sector risk distracting from literacy and numeracy challenges and says schools should focus on core learning rather than advocacy.

Government ministers maintain that repealing section 127 restores clarity to the law and allows schools to teach tikanga or te reo without imposing Treaty obligations above other educational priorities. 

Loading...

[**Read more over at Teach the Basics, Not Treaty Politics**](https://www.teachdontpreach.nz/?ref=goodoil.news)

[***Receive our free newsletter here***](https://centrist.nz/sign-up/?ref=goodoil.news)