The Government’s proposed review of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 is a clear attempt to undermine the Tribunal’s independence and diminish Māori rangatiratanga, the PSA says.

Janice Panoho, Kaihautū Māori of the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi, rejects Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka’s claim that the review is intended to "refocus" the Tribunal to its original intent.

"Māori and Treaty partners across the motu see this move for what it is: a political attempt to weaken one of the few institutions that holds the Crown accountable to its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi," Panoho says.

"For nearly 50 years, the Waitangi Tribunal has played a vital role in advancing justice for Māori. It has provided a platform for Māori voices, upheld the mana of Te Tiriti, and made recommendations that have shaped the very foundations of the Māori-Crown relationship," Panoho says.

"This review is not about efficiency or clarity, it is about control. It is a clear attempt to undermine the Tribunal’s independence and diminish Māori rangatiratanga.

"The proposal to limit the Tribunal’s scope and reframe its inquiries according to a political agenda, as outlined in the coalition agreement between National and New Zealand First, is deeply concerning. Rather than strengthening the Tribunal, the review threatens to erase decades of progress toward honouring Te Tiriti and addressing the injustices faced by generations of whānau, hapū, and iwi.

"The so called Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG), despite including a handful of Māori members, lacks transparency and accountability. It is not representative of the whānau, hapū, and iwi who have engaged with the Tribunal for decades. The rushed timeline for engagement and legislation adds to the concerns.

"This review occurs at a time when Māori communities are already experiencing the impacts of cost-cutting measures across Te Arawhiti, Te Aka Whai Ora, and other kaupapa Māori initiatives. The cumulative effect is a sustained attack on Māori rights, institutions, and leadership.

The PSA and Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina, which represents the PSA’s 11,000 members who identify as Māori, strongly oppose the move and call on the Government to:

• Halt the review of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 immediately.
• Uphold the integrity and independence of the Waitangi Tribunal.
• Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi in both word and action.
• Engage meaningfully with Māori, not after decisions are made, but before.

"The future of the Waitangi Tribunal is not just a Māori issue, it is a matter of national integrity, justice, and honouring our founding covenant," Panoho says.

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