Thanks, this was a good assessment, although as an academic review type article you are typically restrained with your (noble) efforts to appear fair. I have no such qualms and can happily attest that the Waitangi Tribunal is an utter blight on our society. It has, in my not-so-humble opinion, gone completely off-piste and is now a simple rubber-stamp operation for any and every ridiculous claim by greedy, activist meatheads. Its plethoric claims (such as the wide-reaching Wai 262 nonsense) and radical decisions have strayed so far from the actual intent and meaning of the Treaty that one marvels at how its members can sleep at night. I guess all that money buys a soft, comfy bed? Well overdue for serious reform or abolition.
Haha yes I do try to present both perspectives, but I definitely favour a retraction/reform of the Tribunal. I want to see historical claims prioritised and completed.
...and we should insist, via letters to our MP, that they have a duty to the nation to honour the coalition agreement. My MP, Sam Ufindell, is in no doubt that he is a one term MP if this is not done.
The push to expand the Waitangi Tribunal may still have champions in the civil service, superior courts, academia, and media—but it’s a minority view, out of step with the public. Most New Zealanders favour retraction, not entrenchment. Given the coalition’s clear mandate and strong likelihood of a second term—short of Winston and Seymour disembowelling each other live on the 6 o’clock news—this is hardly the moment for the activist wing to raise its head. Politically, it’s misread the room.
Thanks, this was a good assessment, although as an academic review type article you are typically restrained with your (noble) efforts to appear fair. I have no such qualms and can happily attest that the Waitangi Tribunal is an utter blight on our society. It has, in my not-so-humble opinion, gone completely off-piste and is now a simple rubber-stamp operation for any and every ridiculous claim by greedy, activist meatheads. Its plethoric claims (such as the wide-reaching Wai 262 nonsense) and radical decisions have strayed so far from the actual intent and meaning of the Treaty that one marvels at how its members can sleep at night. I guess all that money buys a soft, comfy bed? Well overdue for serious reform or abolition.
Haha yes I do try to present both perspectives, but I definitely favour a retraction/reform of the Tribunal. I want to see historical claims prioritised and completed.
...and we should insist, via letters to our MP, that they have a duty to the nation to honour the coalition agreement. My MP, Sam Ufindell, is in no doubt that he is a one term MP if this is not done.
Have you seen his member's Bill? On equal suffrage?
The push to expand the Waitangi Tribunal may still have champions in the civil service, superior courts, academia, and media—but it’s a minority view, out of step with the public. Most New Zealanders favour retraction, not entrenchment. Given the coalition’s clear mandate and strong likelihood of a second term—short of Winston and Seymour disembowelling each other live on the 6 o’clock news—this is hardly the moment for the activist wing to raise its head. Politically, it’s misread the room.