New Zealand Coalition Proposes Abolishing Waitangi Tribunal in Election
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and coalition partners propose abolishing the Waitangi Tribunal and Māori parliamentary seats as New Zealanders vote in the general election.
The future of Māori rights and the Treaty of Waitangi have emerged as central points of contention as New Zealanders head to the polls. The current coalition government, led by Christopher Luxon, has rolled back policies that previously enshrined the special status of Māori. Luxon stated that the Waitangi Tribunal could be abolished if the coalition is re-elected, noting its future could be no role, an evolved role, or an adjusted role.
Coalition partners ACT New Zealand and New Zealand First are driving the push to scrap the tribunal and remove dedicated Māori parliamentary seats. ACT New Zealand argues the tribunal has expanded beyond its original purpose to act as an alternative law-making body that passes judgment on decisions belonging to elected governments. The party promotes a one law for all approach to governance.
In opposition, Te Pāti Māori seeks to retain the tribunal and make its recommendations binding. Leader Rawiri Waititi has suggested that without such binding power, governments can simply ignore the tribunal's findings. While these divisions define the political landscape, polling indicates most voters are prioritizing inflation and the cost of living over Māori issues, despite broad public support for protecting the treaty and Māori culture.
