Elizabeth Rata has had a significant influence on the direction of education over the last 18 months. So, what she believes is important, especially given those changes have been driven and done by a small group of ideologically aligned people. We know of their connections to the NZ Institute, part of the Atlas Network. The question is, how has that impacted the work of that group? One place we can look is their actions as individual citizens, including how they interact with the democratic process in that capacity.

In her submission on the amendments to the Education and Training Act, Rata gives us her starting position regarding Te Tiriti: it is something we can believe in, or not (just like Christmas).

Some New Zealanders believe fervently that the Treaty must be honoured. Others do not – equally fervently. For some the Treaty is our nation’s founding document. Not so for others. It is a sacred covenant with a timeless spirit for some, but merely an historical document for others. Some believe it is the nation’s constitution. Others believe it is not. As with all beliefs, there is no proof either way, no right or wrong. You either believe or you don’t. 

It follows, therefore, that when “belief is inserted into legislation however, the belief acquires the status of doctrine. It is then treated as if it were a true fact.”

To be clear, Rata believes that Te Tiriti has enabled a decolonising approach to education that, with its focus on cultural responsiveness, is nothing more than a doctrine.

It is worth remembering that Rata is someone who has been at the centre of Stanford education changes: on the curriculum MAG, leader of the English Years 7-13 writing group, on the Charter Schools Establishment Board. She has been an active presence in Stanford, Seymour, and even Luxon’s, inbox. For instance, on 22 June, 2025, she emails Stanford regarding the Act’s amendments.

And then seven days later, she emails the Prime Minister.

This is not anyone. Rata is an insider whose opinion is valued. For instance, she presented, and was on a panel, at the National Party Northern Region Policy Day on 19 October, 2024. That was where she declared her desire to use curriculum to end decolonisation’s success. And Seymour has professed his admiration of her and her work: “You are by far the most articulate exponent of enlightenment thinking and need to get far more exposure.” – Seymour to Rata, 24 October, 2024.

The issue, as I see it, isn’t that Rata has these beliefs about Te Tiriti and its place in our education system. We are all entitled our opinions.

The actual issue is this. At the heart of our Government we find someone who considers Te Tiriti a belief system not a fact being granted continual access and influence. Who is granting that? And why?