Full Breakdown
Waitangi Tribunal Finds Crown Breached Te Tiriti Principles Over Te Reo Maori Cuts
10/25/2025, 1:32:34 AM
Findings of the Waitangi Tribunal
The Waitangi Tribunal has released its findings in the Taku Reo Kura, Taku Reo Kahurangi case, determining that the Coalition government breached several principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi by deprioritizing te reo Maori in public services. The Tribunal's report highlighted that the government removed te reo Maori from the names of public service departments and Crown entities, prioritized English in communications, and limited access to te reo Maori allowances within the public sector. The Tribunal emphasized that the Crown's actions contributed to the decline of te reo Maori, which is contrary to both Te Tiriti and the Crown's commitments under Te Ture mo te Reo Maori 2016.
Recommendations for the Crown
In response to its findings, the Tribunal made several recommendations aimed at rectifying the situation. The first recommendation calls for the immediate reversal of decisions that deprioritized te reo Maori in agency names and government communications. Additionally, it suggests strengthening the wording of Te Ture mo Te Reo Maori 2016 to clarify the Crown's obligations to protect and preserve te reo Maori. The Tribunal also urged amendments to the 2024 Government Workforce Policy Statement to ensure that te reo Maori allowances for officials continue, regardless of whether proficiency in the language is a requirement for their roles.
Legislative Developments: Maipi-Clarke's Members' Bill
In parallel, Hauraki-Waikato MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke's Members’ Bill, which seeks to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations in Parliament, is gaining cross-party support from Labour and Green MPs. This bill aims to establish a statutory duty for MPs to uphold Te Tiriti, addressing a gap in current law where only public servants have Treaty obligations. Maipi-Clarke stated that this legislation is a necessary first step toward constitutional change and greater accountability in political decision-making.
Criticism of Current Government Actions
The current government has faced significant criticism regarding its treatment of Maori rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. A shadow report prepared for the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination highlights an ideologically driven attack on Maori rights, asserting that constitutional transformation is essential for achieving equality for Maori. Professor Claire Charters, co-director of the Aotearoa Centre for Indigenous Peoples and the Law, noted that the government's actions represent a profound breach of Maori rights under both Te Tiriti and international law.
Protests Against Legislative Changes
In a related protest, Green MP Huhana Lyndon supported the burning of the Marine and Coastal Areas (Takutai Moana) Amendment Act, which critics argue undermines Maori customary rights. This act raises the threshold for Maori whanau, hapu, and iwi to apply for Customary Marine Title, prompting widespread protests across the country. Lyndon emphasized the importance of keeping Maori rights central to future reforms and criticized the government's legislative approach.
Conclusion: Moving Forward
As discussions around Maori rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi continue, the Waitangi Tribunal's findings and Maipi-Clarke's Members’ Bill represent significant steps toward addressing historical grievances and ensuring accountability. The ongoing protests and legislative efforts underscore the urgency of these issues in Aotearoa New Zealand's political landscape.
