ACT sets out plan to wind up Waitangi Tribunal
The ACT Party in New Zealand is campaigning to wind up the Waitangi Tribunal, arguing that its contemporary inquiries have become overly ideological and activist. The party proposes limiting the tribunal's scope to historical claims lodged before 2008.
Why it matters
Debates over the role of historical grievance institutions are central to national identity and political discourse regarding indigenous rights and government authority.
The ACT Party wants to wind up the Waitangi Tribunal, saying its contemporary inquiries have become increasingly ideological and expansive.
The party is campaigning on four reforms that it says will end the tribunal's contemporary jurisdiction, and move the country on.
ACT leader David Seymour, who has previously branded the tribunal as "increasingly activist" , said while the tribunal had made an important contribution, particularly in helping address historical grievances, the tribunal that existed today was different to the institution established in 1975.
"The original need for the Waitangi Tribunal has evaporated as our country has matured into a place with strong property rights, the rule of law, and restraints on the use of military power," Seymour said.
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