The New Zealand Maori Council says it's disappointed the Waitangi Tribunal gave the government a pass on the Trans Pacific Partnership.
The tribunal found merit in the claims, but said the Treaty of Waitangi exception cut and pasted from previous trade deals met the required treaty standard.
Council chair Sir Edward Durie says the report provides helpful advice on how to move matters forward in protecting Maori interests in international trade agreements.
He says the exception clause in its current state fails to protect Maori property interests, which could affect iwi trying to claim or protect significant water and geothermal interests.
The tribunal considered the TPP was too far along to be renegotiated, but said Maori and the Crown should now engage in perfecting the clause for the future, especially for occasions where a a foreign investor may challenge the New Zealand government.
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