Summarised by Centrist
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the government is prepared to legislate over court rulings that weave tikanga Māori into the legal system. He warns that “unique” interpretations could undermine investor confidence.
Speaking to the Law Association, Goldsmith cautioned against a “bespoke” legal system that was difficult to replicate or understand internationally.
“Such serious, long-term investment requires predictability and certainty in our institutions,” he said. He pointed to the government’s review of Treaty references in legislation, and said parliament must be ready to “clarify” the law if courts set precedents that diverge from its intent.
National Māori Urban Authority chair Lady Tureiti Moxon said this amounted to disrespecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi and accused ministers of rewriting laws to “suit themselves.” She called it a “blatant disregard” for tikanga.
Former Attorney-General Chris Finlayson, a National appointee, also pushed back. He said Goldsmith was “melodramatic” to suggest investors would shy away over Treaty clauses. Courts, he argued, had not been radical in their interpretation: “Many of them simply amount to good faith and consulting iwi.”
Goldsmith, however, said more moves in this space were coming, signalling that legislation could override future judgments where needed.
Read more over at RNZImage: Facebook
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