By RNZ
The Waitangi Tribunal has found the Crown breached its Treaty duty by failing to ensure Māori claimants had adequate funding to participate in the tribunal process.
Claimants had argued a lack of funding compromised their ability to make and pursue their claims, which undermines the institution as a pillar of New Zealand’s constitution.
Claimants have been seeking a solution for several years, including through an urgent inquiry. Public hearings were held at the end of last year.
The Crown conceded there were problems with current funding arrangements but argued they were good enough in Treaty terms.