New Zealand First has announced a controversial plan to abolish the Waitangi Tribunal if it becomes part of the government following the next election. The party intends to introduce legislation within the first 100 days to replace the tribunal with a Treaty of Waitangi Completion Commission.
The proposed commission would focus on resolving Treaty-related claims lodged before 2008, after which the tribunal’s work would conclude. New Zealand First argues that the tribunal has expanded beyond its original purpose, particularly in dealing with legislation passed by Parliament.
The party suggests that issues concerning the implementation of existing Treaty of Waitangi settlements should instead be managed by a strengthened Ministry of Māori Development. This approach aims to streamline the handling of claims and ensure that the tribunal’s role is brought to a formal end once historical grievances are addressed.
New Zealand First’s proposal has sparked debate, as the Waitangi Tribunal has been a cornerstone in addressing Māori grievances and claims since its establishment. Critics may view the move as a step back in the ongoing process of reconciliation and settlement of historical injustices.
The Waitangi Tribunal was established to investigate, report, and make recommendations on claims brought by Māori relating to breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi by the Crown. New Zealand First’s plan to dismantle it and replace it with a new commission signals a significant shift in how Treaty claims might be handled in the future.