Wellington: Maori leaders have accused New Zealand's government of undertaking an "unrelenting assault" on Indigenous rights as the Waitangi Tribunal commenced an urgent inquiry into proposed changes to Treaty of Waitangi clauses across numerous laws. The inquiry is assessing whether these proposed modifications could diminish legal protections related to the Treaty of Waitangi, a foundational agreement signed in 1840 between Maori chiefs and the British Crown.

According to Anadolu Agency, the hearing revealed that Maori groups were largely excluded from consultations regarding plans to amend, standardize, or repeal treaty-related clauses across 19 pieces of legislation. Maori leader Tukoroirangi Morgan expressed concerns to the tribunal, stating, "Since this coalition government was elected more than two years ago, we have watched the unrelenting assault on our rights and interests."

Morgan emphasized the significance of trust and good faith in their settlements, noting that these elements have been eroded by the proposed reforms. Lead claimants described the reforms as indicative of a broader rollback of Maori rights, highlighting potential impacts on critical sectors such as health, education, environmental management, and child welfare.

Maori constitute approximately 17% of New Zealand's population of 5.3 million people. The Waitangi Tribunal, a permanent commission established to investigate alleged breaches of the treaty, is expected to issue a report following the conclusion of the inquiry.