First Nations Voice, Treaty, Truth

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON (14:45): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs regarding Treaty.

Leave granted.

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON: On 19 September this year the ABC reported that New Zealand's government has repealed, removed or reversed around a dozen of what it calls race-based policies that ensure the special status of Maori people in national life. Since coming to power last November it has removed a law giving Maori a say on environmental questions and is set to repeal another designated to help Maori children in state care stay connected to their culture and family. Maori language in the Public Service has been wound back, and the Maori Health Authority has been abolished. It is now looking to reinterpret the nation's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi. My question to the minister is: does the minister and his government intend to continue pursuing Voice, Truth and Treaty?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:46): Yes.