Māori Council response to the Waitangi Tribunal

Trans-Pacific Partnership Report

“The New Zealand Māori Council welcomes the Waitangi Tribunal Trans-Pacific Partnership Report,” says Council Chair Sir Edward Durie. “The report provides helpful advice on how to move matters forward in protecting Māori interests in international trade agreements,” he added.

“The Council considers that Māori were entitled to a positive finding that a clause which purports to protect Māori interests does not in fact provide such protection, and the report is disappointing in that respect. In particular the clause provides for affirmative policies to bring Māori achievement into line with national standards but it fails to protect Māori property interests. It will be disappointing in that respect for those iwi with significant water and geothermal interests,” says Sir Edward.

“However, given that the TPP proposal has passed beyond the negotiation stage, the Tribunal has helpfully proposed that Māori and the Crown should now engage in perfecting the clause for the future, and in developing the New Zealand approach to the application of the clause in the event of a dispute where the clause may be invoked.”

Nga mihi

ends

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