27222 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Māori Development

27222 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Māori Development: What steps, if any, will the Minister take to ensure that the Review of the Waitangi Tribunal address the concerns raised by iwi, hapu and Maori communities regarding the timeliness and effectiveness of the Waitangi Tribunal's processes?

Hon Tama Potaka: The Review of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 is being led by an Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG), which has been tasked with examining whether the legislation—and the role and operation of the Waitangi Tribunal—remains fit for purpose. The Terms of Reference for the Review identify timeliness and effectiveness as areas the ITAG may explore. The Group is expected to consider a range of perspectives, including concerns raised by Iwi, Hapū, and Māori communities, as part of its work. Members of the ITAG bring relevant expertise in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, public law, and Iwi, Māori and Crown relations, and the Review has been designed to ensure it is informed by lived experience and system-level insight. The ITAG is responsible for determining how it engages and how issues raised are reflected in its recommendations.