Minister Tama Potaka Affirms Support for Waitangi Tribunal Kaupapa Inquiries Amid Review

Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka has confirmed he supports the Waitangi Tribunal maintaining its ability to conduct kaupapa inquiries, even as the Government considers a new review of the body. Speaking on the unreleased findings of an Independent Technical Advisory Group, Potaka stated on 14 August 2026 that decisions on the report’s release will be made once Cabinet has finished considering its recommendations. Potaka noted that he does not support removing the Tribunal's power to undertake current kaupapa inquiries—thematic investigations that address issues affecting Māori as a whole. Current inquiries include significant work on Climate Change, Mana Wāhine, and National Freshwater and Geothermal Resources. The Minister emphasised that the Government is focused on ensuring the right response to the review, which was initiated under the coalition agreement to examine the Tribunal’s scope and purpose. Carwyn Jones (Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa), a lecturer for Māori Laws and Philosophy at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, provided context on the Tribunal's role to RNZ. Jones, who has experience with both the Tribunal and the Māori Land Court, explained that while historical claims are winding down, the Tribunal was originally designed to assess contemporary policy through the lens of Treaty principles. He noted that by examining modern issues, the Tribunal continues to fulfil the intent of its 1975 founding legislation. While New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones expressed views regarding 'mission creep' and the need for restraint in examining government policy, Potaka reiterated that the work is significant and requires careful consideration. The review findings remain under active consideration by Ministers, with Newsroom reporting that the unreleased document does not recommend stripping the Tribunal of its key power to launch kaupapa inquiries.