David Seymour, leader of the ACT Party, is highlighting a critical issue in New Zealand’s political discourse: the media’s tendency to portray Māori as a monolithic group with a singular viewpoint. Through his proposed Treaty Principles Bill, Seymour is not just advocating for equality but also challenging the assumption that an entire community can be boxed into one narrative.
Breaking the Stereotype of Groupthink
In recent debates surrounding his Treaty Principles Bill, Seymour has consistently called out the reductive framing of Māori as a unified voice, particularly in media coverage. “The idea that Māori all think the same way or hold the same views is not only inaccurate but also deeply disrespectful,” Seymour argued. He believes this portrayal undermines the individuality and diversity of thought within Māori communities.
“To suggest that an entire group of people is of one mind—that’s exactly the sort of prejudice and profiling we need to move away from,” he said. For Seymour, recognising the diversity of opinion among Māori is essential for fostering a fair and inclusive society.
Media’s Role in Reinforcing Division
Seymour pointed out that media coverage often amplifies the voices of a vocal minority while ignoring the broader spectrum of Māori perspectives. Referencing the protests against his bill, Seymour noted, “There’s a group of people frequently misinforming the public and the media about what this bill actually says. This leads to the assumption that their viewpoint represents all Māori, which is simply not true.”
He also pushed back against claims that the bill diminishes Māori rights, clarifying that it focuses on redefining the principles of the Treaty to ensure they promote equality and universal human rights. “Some have been given bad information. My bill doesn’t change the Treaty—it refines the principles, which were never clearly defined in the first place.”
Individual Voices Within the Community
As someone with Māori ancestry himself, Seymour is deeply aware of the diverse perspectives within the community. He emphasised that Māori individuals, like anyone else, hold a wide range of opinions on political, cultural, and social issues. “To generalise all Māori as holding the same view is not only inaccurate but patronising,” he said. “Every Māori person has the right to their own perspective, just as every New Zealander does.”
Seymour’s personal experience reinforces his stance. “I speak to Māori people every day—business leaders, academics, workers, and students—and their opinions on this bill and many other issues are as varied as those of any other group in New Zealand.”
The Importance of Individuality
Seymour believes that acknowledging individual opinions within Māori communities is a vital step toward breaking down stereotypes and building a more inclusive society. “The narrative that Māori think as one group diminishes the richness and complexity of their contributions to New Zealand,” he said. By pushing back against this narrative, Seymour hopes to promote a society that values people as individuals rather than as representatives of a racial or cultural group.
Toward a More Inclusive Conversation
Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill is sparking a much-needed conversation about how New Zealand discusses race, rights, and representation. By challenging the media’s portrayal of Māori as a homogenous group, Seymour is advocating for a more nuanced and respectful dialogue.
His message is clear: every person, regardless of ancestry, has the right to their own opinion, and recognising this individuality is the first step toward a fairer, more equal society. For Seymour, it’s not just about legislation—it’s about breaking free from outdated stereotypes and creating a future where every voice matters.
