As the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand, Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) holds a special place in our country’s constitutional arrangements. Bankside Chambers has a number of experts who regularly engage with Te Tiriti and its principles when advising clients, appearing before courts, tribunals, local authorities, and other decision-makers, and when interacting with local and central government.
Te Tiriti and its principles have been directly incorporated into a wide range of legislation, including the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011, the Conservation Act 1987, the Resource Management Act 1991, and the State Owned Enterprises Act 1986, as well as local government, fisheries, and water services-related legislation. Members also appear in the Waitangi Tribunal, a specialist body established under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 to hear historical and contemporary claims associated with alleged breaches by the Crown of Te Tiriti and its principles.