New Zealand First vows to scrap Waitangi Tribunal and replace it with a new commission

New Zealand First released a policy statement saying it will move to eliminate the Waitangi Tribunal immediately after the next election. The party criticised the Tribunal for hearing any claim, labeling it a "make-work organisation" that challenges parliamentary authority. It pledged to introduce a bill within the first 100 days to replace the Tribunal with a Treaty of Waitangi Completion Commission, tasked with finalising all claims filed before 2008.

The new body would cease operations once those claims are settled. Additionally, the party said it would reinforce the Ministry of Māori Development to oversee the execution of existing Treaty settlements and prevent activist interference in parliamentary legislation.