The Opportunity Party – “Honouring Te Tiriti” policy paper
The Opportunity Party (TOP) proposes a constitutional approach that gives practical effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and recognises Māori as a distinct Treaty partner.
The policy does not explicitly affirm equal citizenship, equality of political rights, or one person, one vote as principles governing their proposed constitutional arrangements.
Instead, policies include:
- Māori as a Treaty partner: TOP proposes that Māori participate “as a Treaty partner” alongside wider democratic participation. This gives Māori a distinct constitutional status and role, rather than treating all citizens solely as equal participants.
- Rangatiratanga and devolution: TOP states that “Rangatiratanga should have practical expression in the way the government makes decisions and delivers services.” Its policy proposes different levels of Māori decision-making authority, ranging from consultation and co-design through to delegation and independent decision-making.
- Distinct decision-making authority: The proposed devolution of authority would give Māori entities or organisations different levels of decision-making power from those exercised through the general democratic system. At its most extensive, independent decision-making would provide a distinct form of political authority.
- Customary marine title: TOP proposes reverting to the customary marine title settings that the Courts applied before the 2025 changes.
The absence of an explicit commitment to equal political rights leaves an important question about how TOP's proposed constitutional arrangements would protect equal citizenship, democratic accountability and equality in the political system.
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