New legislation aims to clarify Treaty principles for New Zealand.
The Associate Justice Minister, David Seymour, has welcomed the introduction of the Treaty Principles Bill to Parliament. The Bill's first reading is scheduled for next Thursday and will provide every New Zealander with an opportunity to submit their views at the select committee stage.
The Bill aims to define the Treaty principles, providing certainty and clarity on a critical aspect of New Zealand's constitutional arrangements. The principles are not being redefined but rather clarified through legislation. A key change to the earlier version of the principles has narrowed the wording of principle two, specifying that the rights of hapū and iwi differ from those enjoyed by all New Zealanders only when agreed as part of a Treaty settlement.
The Minister emphasizes that the Bill is intended to promote a national conversation about the place of the Treaty in New Zealand's constitutional arrangements. He notes that the Treaty principles are not being altered or amended, but rather used to assist with the interpretation of legislation where relevant.