New Zealand First has announced its intention to dismantle the Waitangi Tribunal if the party joins the government after the upcoming election. The party plans to introduce legislation within the first 100 days to establish a new body, the Treaty of Waitangi Completion Commission, which would replace the tribunal.
The proposed commission would concentrate on finalizing Treaty-related claims filed before 2008, aiming to conclude the tribunal’s work once those claims are resolved. New Zealand First contends that the Waitangi Tribunal has extended beyond its original scope, and it has expressed concerns about claims involving laws enacted by Parliament.
Additionally, the party suggests that issues concerning the implementation of existing Treaty of Waitangi settlements should be managed by a reinforced Ministry of Māori Development, rather than through the tribunal. This move aligns with their broader approach to streamline the process and conclude historical Treaty claims.
New Zealand First’s proposal marks a significant shift in addressing Treaty of Waitangi issues, potentially reshaping the landscape of Māori and Crown relations in New Zealand. The party’s plans highlight a desire to bring closure to longstanding claims, while also proposing a new framework for handling future settlements.