hearing any and all claims that in a former time would've been dismissed on
application as being inappropriate.
Many claims before the tribunal are directly contesting the right of a mandated
parliament to pass laws.
That is a direct semi-judicial threat against the very essence of our democracy.
That is why New Zealand First today is announcing its plan to end the Treaty of
Waitangi grievance industry and get back to all being equal citizens with equal rights
in our country.
New Zealand First will table legislation within the first 100 days after the next election
to immediately abolish the Waitangi Tribunal, and replace it with the Treaty of
Waitangi Completion Commission.
The new Commission will have the purpose of finalising all claims prior to 2008, after
which time its work will be finished.
The Treaty of Waitangi industry jobs will be replaced by real work. The days of the
Waitangi Tribunal acting as an authority of parliament will be over.
We will put an end to activists using the Tribunal and taxpayers money as a platform
to interfere with the direction and legislation of parliament.
Maori land reform and administrative improvements in the Maori Land Court will be a
major priority for New Zealand First.
Under New Zealand First, the Ministry of Maori Development will be directed to drive
practical outcomes that accelerate development. The Ministry will ensure that Maori
owned land, marine farming, forestry and other resources continue to enhance
regional productivity, employment and community resilience.
We will also ensure that all relevant policy issues pertaining to the implementation of
existing Treaty of Waitangi settlements are addressed by a strengthened Ministry of
Maori Development.
Contemporary claims, modern policy differences, and post-settlement leadership will
be the responsibility of the Ministry of Maori Development.
Crown Maori relations work will return to being the responsibility of the Ministry of
Maori Development - as was written into the law in 1991 when that department was
established.
