Calls are growing for Minister Paul Goldsmith to be removed from his role overseeing Treaty negotiations following a controversial decision involving land at Te Urewera.
Critics say the move undermines the unique legal status of Te Urewera, an area recognised as its own legal entity under landmark Treaty settlement legislation and jointly governed by Tūhoe and the Crown.
The decision has sparked backlash from Māori advocates and political opponents, who argue it cuts across the principles underpinning the 2014 settlement, which vested the land in Te Urewera itself rather than the Crown or any individual group.
Opponents say the move risks reopening long-standing grievances tied to the Crown’s historical treatment of Tūhoe, including land loss, forced displacement and broken promises over self-governance in the region.
There are also concerns the decision could weaken the integrity of Treaty settlements more broadly, with critics warning it sets a precedent for ministerial intervention in arrangements that were intended to be durable and independent.
Goldsmith, who holds multiple senior portfolios including Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent months over decisions affecting Māori rights and Treaty frameworks.
The latest controversy adds to political pressure within the coalition, with calls intensifying for leadership to reconsider his position and restore confidence in the Crown’s commitment to its Treaty obligations.
Te Urewera remains one of the most significant examples of co-governance in Aotearoa, with its legal personhood widely regarded as a global first in recognising the intrinsic rights of the natural environment.
The dispute is expected to continue as iwi, legal experts and political leaders weigh the implications of the decision for both Te Urewera and the wider Treaty settlement landscape.
