Bill is "fundamentally inconsistent" with Treaty principles, the organisation says
The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill diminishes Māori rights, the NZ Law Society said in a submission.
The organisation said there were “strong constitutional, public law, natural justice and process reasons” to halt the progression of the legislation. It highlighted the following key concerns:
“The Law Society does not typically comment on a bill’s underlying policy, unless it raises constitutional, rule or law, or rights issues. In this instance, the bill raises fundamental issues in all three areas”, the organisation wrote as it emphasised its desire to be heard on the submission.
It pointed out that the bill was introduced to the House by the Crown without consulting or engaging with Māori or with constitutional experts and pūkenga. The Law Society recommended that adequate time be given to design, carefully consider, debate and amend the reform proposals; moreover, the policy development process should involve seeking input from Māori, iwi and hapū.
The Law Society’s submission was prepared with help from the law reform committee.