ACT proposes abolishing Waitangi Tribunal after historical claims are settled

The ACT Party intends to wind up the Waitangi Tribunal once all outstanding historical Treaty claims have been heard and resolved. If elected, the party plans to amend the governing legislation so the tribunal is automatically disestablished after these claims are completed.

The policy would strip the tribunal of its contemporary jurisdiction, ending its ability to review current government policy, actions, and decisions. ACT aims to limit the tribunal's focus to historical claims lodged before the September 1, 2008, statutory deadline.

Leader David Seymour stated that the tribunal's current role in conducting urgent and kaupapa inquiries is not its original purpose. "Through urgent and kaupapa inquiries, the tribunal now passes judgement on day-to-day government policy," Seymour said.

ACT does not intend to set an arbitrary deadline for the tribunal's closure and says funding will reduce as the workload decreases. The tribunal has set a goal to finish hearing its remaining historical claims by 2030.

How it developed

• Thu 10 Sep, 11:00amThe government has announced a review into the tribunal's scope, purpose, and nature in 2025.

Where reports differ

• While ACT proposes ending contemporary jurisdiction, Te Pāti Māori wants to make tribunal recommendations binding on the Crown.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff, 1News and Otago Daily Times.