Category: Constitutional Reform
These recent attempts by iwi leaders to control local government show just how serious this tribal takeover has become. Just because the government changed, it doesn’t mean New Zealand is safe. Quite the opposite. With the framework for tribal rule already in place, iwi are now hunting for every opportunity to impose their controls onto an unsuspecting public.
FNDC is subverting the fundamental tenets of local government. It is deliberate defiance of legislative requirements sacrificing democracy and the rule of law in the advancement of an ideological cause. The Minister should demonstrate his commitment to democracy and the rule of law by taking action without further hesitation.
With hundreds of thousands of voters still undecided, the 2026 election remains fluid. In an environment of ongoing global uncertainty, questions over economic security, political stability, and constitutional integrity are likely to dominate voter decisions.
Those in charge of the neotribal corporations have grandiose ambitions. Not content with righting historical wrongs, their ambitions extend to acquiring both vast amounts of capital and the political power.
The case not only demonstrated that the Crown was unwilling to put tikanga on trial, but it also highlights how the growing use of tikanga in the legal system is distorting outcomes and undermining the principle of equal justice. In fact, when cultural assertions are used to override clear evidence and established legal standards, the Rule of Law itself is being undermined.
Over last 30 or 40 years judges across the common law anglosphere world have become ever more willing to overrule the democratically elected branches of government. Call this a raw usurpation of power. Or call it judicial activism on steroids. It’s bad in Australia, but worse in New Zealand.
The Royal Commission argued that if MMP was adopted the Maori seats must be abolished: “In the form of Maori representation we have proposed for MMP, there would be no separate Maori constituency or list seats, no Maori roll, and no Maori option. All New Zealanders would vote in the same way for the party they wish to govern, and for a constituency MP.”
We have faith in the capacity of Maori to strive and succeed in work and politics on the same basis as everyone else. I believe in New Zealanders fair mindedness that a minority no longer needs this protection from the majority. That's why National-led Government will abolish the Maori seats.
DOC administers one-third of New Zealand’s landmass. This estate has been held by the Crown on behalf of all New Zealanders for conservation, recreation, and public benefit. Over the past three decades, however, DOC has increasingly transformed from a public-oriented agency into a mechanism for embedding tribal control, preferential access, and commercial opportunity.
To ensure the new planning system is coherent, democratic, and consistent with the Coalition Government’s commitments, all RMA‑related arrangements should be terminated - not only those negotiated with councils but those embedded in Treaty settlements as well. No race-based entitlements should be carried over to potentially subvert the new planning system.
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