This nquiry and this interim report address claims submitted to the Waitangi Tribunal under urgency regarding Crown actions and policies pursued following the swearing in of the new Government. In summary the claims allege (consist-
ent with the coalition agreements) that the Crown is now progressing a Treaty Principles Bill and a review of legislative enactments referring to ‘the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi’ (the Treaty clause review) contrary to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi. (From the report). Note as of 21 August 2024, a Treaty Principles Bill has not been introduceed to Parliamant. Record #8887

The Waitangi Tribunal has released its final report on this urgent matter.

The report concerns claims submitted to the Tribunal under urgency regarding the Crown’s policy to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989. Section 7AA imposes specific duties on the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki so as to provide a practical commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi

A key policy objective of section 7AA was to reduce the disproportionate number of Māori entering into care and to improve outcomes for those tamariki already in care. Under section 7AA, iwi or Māori organisations may enter into strategic partnerships with the chief executive. There are 10 strategic partnership agreements under section 7AA currently in place, as well as nine relationships with post-settlement governance entities, some of whom are also strategic partners.

The claimants and interested parties argued that the repeal of section 7AA and the absence of consultation with Māori and the Crown’s strategic partners breached the Crown’s Treaty duties. (From the media release related to the Interim report).

The final report includes the Waitangi Tribunal’s findings and recommendations.

Record #8686