An Auckland University political scientist believes the inflammatory anti-treaty rhetoric of the election campaign could fizzle our under the reality of government.
Dr Edward Elder says while there may be roll-backs on some Māori initiatives under the new three party coalition, such as less use of te reo Māori within government agencies, ACT’s proposal for a rewrite of treaty principles is a different matter.
“Whether that actually goes through or not, I’m a little bit more sceptical – partly because National in particular are more of a management party than a reform party,” he says..
Dr Elder says ACT and New Zealand First will need to differentiate themselves from National … and that is certain to lead to coalition tensions.
