Click here for the full interview.

Northcote MP Dan Bidois says scrapping the Waitangi Tribunal is a way to focus on the future rather than the past.

National Party leader Simon Bridges called for an end to the tribunal as part of his contribution to Waitangi Day commemorations, saying he did not see a continuing role once the historic claim process was settled.

The tribunal has been refocusing on contemporary claims, putting together what it calls kaupapa inquiries on issues like health, corrections and the status of Māori women.

Mr Bidois says the system needs to evolve.

"I like that aspiration of actually focusing on post-treaty settlements, how can we make sure that that Māori are utilising the assets they have got and build on those assets, how can we make sure we are making a difference to things like the educational inequality that we have got in this country," he says.

Dan Bidois says any change needs to be done in consultation with iwi.

Follow us on &

Copyright © 2020, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com