New Zealand First has announced a significant policy proposal to dismantle the Waitangi Tribunal if it becomes part of the next government. The party revealed plans to introduce legislation within the first 100 days to replace the tribunal with a new entity, the Treaty of Waitangi Completion Commission.
The proposed commission would prioritize finalizing Treaty-related claims that were lodged before 2008. New Zealand First contends that this approach would effectively conclude the tribunal’s work after these specific claims are addressed. The party argues that the tribunal has overstepped its original mandate and expressed concerns about its involvement in issues related to legislation passed by Parliament.
In addition to this proposal, New Zealand First suggests that any matters concerning the implementation of existing Treaty settlements should be managed by a strengthened Ministry of Māori Development. This reflects the party’s stance on shifting the responsibilities of the Waitangi Tribunal to other governmental bodies.
The Waitangi Tribunal, established to address grievances related to the Treaty of Waitangi, has played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s efforts to reconcile with Māori communities. However, New Zealand First’s proposal signals a potential shift in how Treaty-related disputes and claims are managed in the future.
