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DON BRASH: We stopped MWAR. Here's what they're replacing it with.
Don Brash welcomes the abolishment of the Mana Whakahono ā Rohe (MWAR) agreements that form part of the new Resource Management Act, following sustained public and political opposition. He argues that the proposed replacement—iwi participation agreements—should also be abandoned to ensure all New Zealanders participate in planning processes on an equal basis. READ MORE
The Government Push-Back on Iwi/Council Co-Governance Agreements
This discussion on The Platform examines the Government’s decision to end Mana Whakahono ā Rohe (MWAR) agreements under the new Resource Management Act reforms and debates whether they represented an expansion of co-governance in local government. VIEW HERE
Who decides, and how?
Nick Clark argues that local government reform should focus on who makes decisions, rather than simply reducing the number of councils or redrawing boundaries. It advocates for greater decision-making powers for local communities and elected representatives, warning that larger councils and unelected officials can weaken democratic accountability if authority is not devolved to the local level. READ MORE
National… the Enemy Within?
Pee Kay, in his first of three opinion pieces, argues that successive National governments, rather than Labour, have played the central role in creating and entrenching Treaty settlement structures that the author believes have expanded Māori political and economic influence. These changes laid the foundations for modern co-governance and long-term constitutional change. READ MORE
PART TWO: The Bolger/Shipley years
In his second opinion piece, Pee Kay argues that the Key and English National governments significantly expanded Treaty-based constitutional and governance arrangements through measures such as the Marine and Coastal Area Act, UNDRIP endorsement, legal personhood for natural features, and Whānau Ora funding. These decisions strengthened Māori governance structures and influence New Zealand's constitutional and political landscape. READ MORE
PART THREE: The Luxon Years, The Future, the Battle for New Zealand’s Democracy
This concluding opinion piece argues that the current National-led Government has continued, rather than reversed, the long-term expansion of Treaty-based governance arrangements, and calls for greater political accountability to uphold equal citizenship. He urges voters to become more active within political parties, and support policies that strengthen democratic equality and parliamentary sovereignty. READ MORE
GRAHAM ADAMS: India’s view of ‘indigenous’ rattles Māori advisers
Graham Adams examines the debate over the meaning of "indigenous" in New Zealand, arguing that differing interpretations have significant implications for constitutional arrangements, UNDRIP, and Treaty-related policy. He also explores the controversy surrounding the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement, and India's position that all its citizens are indigenous. READ MORE