Jul 09, 2026
Although Cabinet decided in 2024 to halt implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the proposed New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) affirms the declaration.
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Jul 09, 2026
News, Views, Commentaries……
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Ivan Barnett: the lone goose, the abandoned flock, and a government that has turned its back on the public
Ivan Barnett argues that the Government is increasingly ignoring voters' wishes while empowering unelected iwi organisations to influence public assets, services, and decision-making. READ MORE
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Jun 05, 2026
Democracy Action is urging New Zealanders to continue lobbying MPs to remove Article 13.2 — the UNDRIP clause — from the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement before ratification.
The clause has nothing to do with trade, and carries significant constitutional implications. It could be used to further embed UNDRIP principles into New Zealand law and policy.
Importantly, the clause can still be removed or amended before ratification through the standard international treaty process under Article 18 of the Vienna Convention, without affecting the substance of the trade agreement itself.
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Jun 05, 2026
A major shift in local government is occurring through Mana Whakahono ā Rohe (MWaR) agreements under the Resource Management Act.
These agreements are creating long-term participation and governance arrangements between councils and iwi authorities.
The growing use of MWaR agreements is raising wider questions about democratic accountability, public oversight, governance, and who ultimately makes decisions affecting local communities.
The Far North District Council’s agreement with Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-Ō-Ngāpuhi demonstrates how extensive these arrangements can become.
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