Act releases ‘equal rights’ policy evolving from failed Treaty Principles Bill
New Zealand's Act party has unveiled a new 'one law for all' policy, aiming to reinforce parliamentary authority over the courts and clarify Treaty of Waitangi obligations. The proposal includes constitutional amendments and property rights protections.
Why it matters
This policy represents a significant shift in New Zealand's constitutional debate, challenging the role of the judiciary in interpreting indigenous rights and national principles.
Act is revealing the next evolution of the reform it sought to achieve through the failed Treaty Principles Bill as it announces its “one law for all” policy.
The party will campaign on amending several laws to reinforce Parliament’s authority over the courts, increase the prominence of property rights and require Cabinet to explicitly articulate Treaty of Waitangi obligations before bills are drafted.
It is also proposing that Parliament pass a law to address the Supreme Court having “widely expanded the use of tikanga in the law” in the Peter Ellis case.
Among the various proposed changes to legislation was to add three principles to the Constitution Act 1986:
It’s not clear whether adding the principles would result in any change or consequence, but party leader David Seymour argued that aside from the Treaty, no document outlined the country’s core principles.
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