51908 (2025). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister for Māori Development

51908 (2025). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister for Māori Development: Does the Minister agree with the Waitangi Tribunal's recommendation that citizenship by descent be extended to two generations for Māori and if so why and if not why not?

Hon Tama Potaka: I have received the Tribunal’s report and acknowledge the important points raised by the Crown regarding the existing flexibility within the citizenship system. For instance, the Crown noted in its submissions that Ministerial discretion under the Citizenship Act provides a pathway for Māori born overseas to rely on whakapapa when applying for citizenship. It also stated that, in practice, this process has led to outcomes that do not prejudice Māori. Additionally, the Crown highlighted that individuals affected may still be eligible to reside in Aotearoa New Zealand through other avenues, such as immigration pathways, visa grants, or residency based on Australian citizenship. On this basis, the Crown did not concede that the absence of an automatic and perpetual right to citizenship for future generations of Māori born overseas constitutes a breach of the Treaty or its principles.