Constitutional reform allowing treaty matters to override Parliament

Te Pāti Māori says its ‘Te Tiriti Entrenchment Policy’ will be a bottom line in any post-election coalition negotiations.

The policy involves a major constitutional overhaul, including setting up a Te Tiriti Commission with the power to investigate treaty breaches by the Crown and issue compliance orders that would have to be followed by the government of the day.

The policy would also make Waitangi Tribunal recommendations binding on the Crown.

“A confident and mature Aotearoa should be able to honour its history, keep its promises and build its future together,” co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said.

“Te Tiriti is not a threat to unity. Honouring Te Tiriti strengthens accountability, creates certainty and gives us a stronger foundation for the country we are building together. This legislation binds the Crown, not Te Tiriti.”