Why the Treaty Principles debate is being watched closely overseas

Indigenous leaders from Canada, Australia and the Pacific say they are closely watching the debate in Aotearoa over Treaty principles, describing it as a bellwether for indigenous rights internationally. "What happens to Te Tiriti shapes how the rest of the world thinks about treaty obligations," one First Nations leader told us. Several delegations have visited in recent months to meet with iwi leaders and academics. This piece is opinion and reflects the views of the author, an indigenous policy researcher.