Minister Potaka Backs Waitangi Tribunal Kaupapa Inquiries Amid Coalition Review

Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka has signaled his support for the Waitangi Tribunal to maintain its power to conduct thematic kaupapa inquiries, even as the government weighs the findings of a major unreleased review. As reported by RNZ and Newsroom on 14 August 2026, the review was conducted by an Independent Technical Advisory Group and stems from the coalition agreement between National and New Zealand First. The agreement sought to examine the scope, purpose, and nature of the Tribunal’s functions, with early indications suggesting the body's authority to investigate broad contemporary issues will be protected. Reporting for RNZ, Pokere Paewai noted that while the review was part of a coalition agreement to refocus the Tribunal, its findings remain under active consideration before a public release is announced. Minister Potaka confirmed that the findings are being actively considered to ensure the government’s response is carefully measured. He stated clearly that he does not support removing the Tribunal’s ability to undertake its current kaupapa inquiries. These thematic investigations focus on matters affecting Māori across the motu, including climate change, Mana Wāhine, and national freshwater and geothermal resources. According to reports from Newsroom, the unreleased independent review also does not recommend removing the Tribunal's power to launch these inquiries. Mr Potaka described the review as significant work and emphasized the importance of getting the government’s response right. Carwyn Jones (Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa), a lecturer for Māori Laws and Philosophy at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, told RNZ that the Tribunal was originally designed in 1975 to assess contemporary Crown policy through the lens of Treaty principles. He noted that while jurisdiction was expanded in 1985 to include historical claims, those claims are now winding down. Because the Tribunal no longer accepts new historical claims, its role in assessing current public policy remains a core feature of its establishment and a vital mechanism for evaluating government actions. The review has sparked political debate within the coalition government. New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones expressed concerns regarding "mission creep" and called for greater restraint in examining government policy. However, he acknowledged that coalition partners are working together and that the Minister for Māori Development holds the leadership role in this matter. A final decision on the public release of the report will be announced once ministerial consideration is complete.