Human Rights Commission Advocates for Strength of Te Tiriti Protections

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission (HRC) has stepped forward to affirm the essential role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the nation’s constitutional framework. In a submission published on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, the Commission urged the government to abandon plans to amend or repeal Treaty clauses in 19 different pieces of legislation, arguing that such protections are fundamental to the human rights foundation of Aotearoa. Dayle Takitimu, the Human Rights Commission Indigenous Governance Partner, highlighted that Treaty obligations are not merely administrative hurdles but vital components of a fair legal system. Ms. Takitimu stated that true clarity in the law is best achieved by honouring treaties and respecting Indigenous peoples' human rights through established standards. The Commission’s position emphasizes that Te Tiriti is central to maintaining strong Crown-Māori relations and ensuring government accountability. The advocacy follows a May announcement from Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, who indicated the coalition government’s intent to alter references to the Treaty of Waitangi to ensure consistency and predictability. Mr. Goldsmith maintained that the review, which was a result of coalition negotiations with New Zealand First, aims to support compliance across the board. However, the HRC warned that reducing these obligations could lead to increased litigation risk and social division rather than the intended certainty. The Commission has called for a collaborative approach, suggesting the government scrap the current proposals and instead work directly with Māori to address any legislative updates. By positioning Te Tiriti as a cornerstone of national success, the HRC seeks to ensure that moving forward, any changes to the legal landscape are made with proper consultation and respect for the constitutional status of Māori.