Sandra Goudie, Summarised by Centrist

The “Principles” of the Treaty of Waitangi are being given increasing weight in legislation. They used to be “referred to”. Now the wording is “give effect to and provide for” the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. But you can’t get a copy of these Principles, writes former Thames-Coromandel mayor Sandra Goudie.

Goudie asked the Attorney General for a copy and was told there “is no authoritative copy” of the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. So she asked the Election Review Panel – who want to “incorporate the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi” along with lowering the voting age – they offered a ‘guide’ to the Treaty Principles. 

She argues city councils around New Zealand could save a lot of money if these Principles haven’t been codified.

“Given the absence of the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, there can be no breach when we all go about our business as fellow human beings,” says Goudie.

Read the full story over at Bassett, Brash and Hide