Waitangi Tribunal Calls for Crown Apology Over Treaty Decision

The Waitangi Tribunal has stated the Crown should apologise for its actions regarding schools' obligations under the Treaty. It claims the process used to remove these obligations did not meet the required standard of honour.

The Tribunal's findings indicate that the decision to relieve school boards from their responsibilities to uphold the Treaty caught Māori communities by surprise. It described the process carried out by the Crown as falling short of expectations.

Claiming a lack of consultation, the Tribunal emphasised the importance of engaging with Māori when making decisions that affect their rights. It pointed out that a more collaborative approach would have been beneficial.

These remarks come as part of broader discussions about how the Crown interacts with Māori. The Tribunal's insights could lead to significant conversations about future policy and the role of the Treaty in education.

Originally reported by RNZ New Zealand Headlines.