Treaty clauses: Tribunal hears of 'unrelenting assault' on Māori rights
The Waitangi Tribunal is holding urgent hearings regarding government plans to weaken Treaty of Waitangi clauses across various laws. Māori leaders argue that shifting from 'give effect to' to 'take into account' erodes their rights and undermines trust in the Crown.
Why it matters
The outcome of these hearings could significantly alter the legal framework governing the relationship between the New Zealand government and the indigenous Māori population.
The Waitangi Tribunal has been told plans to weaken and remove treaty clauses in a range of laws are racist and an attempt to erode Māori rights.
The framing focuses heavily on the perspective of the Māori witnesses and the potential for 'eroding rights,' though it acknowledges the government's legislative process.
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