Crown says no to delaying TPPA

On Tuesday lawyers for the claimants seeking an urgent inquiry into the Crown’s actions in negotiating the TPPA by the Waitangi Tribunal asked the Crown for an undertaking that no action would be taken towards making final commitments on behalf of New Zealand in negotiations until the claims have been resolved.

Today the Crown responded, declining to give the undertaking sought.

The Waitangi Tribunal has convened a judicial conference to hear further argument on claims filed by group of esteemed Maori leaders and academics, including Dr Papaarangi Reid, Moana Jackson, Rikirangi Gage, Angeline Greensill, Hone Harawira, Moana Maniapoto, and members of the Hapu of Ngapuhi.

The claimants say that the TPPA prejudices them and undermines the guarantee to Maori under the Treaty that they are able to exercise their tino rangatiratanga in governance decisions that affect them. Further they say that the Crown is actively attempting to displace the tino rangatiratanga of Nga Rangatira o Nga Hapu katoa o Aotearoa.

The Tribunal will hear oral arguments on the claims next Thursday in Wellington.

ENDS

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