Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says today’s National Iwi Chairs Forum was “a positive and robust dialogue”, despite iwi leaders walking out in protest.

A social investment consultant is calling for Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act to remain, saying its removal will lead to higher social impacts on Māori and Pākehā, and higher costs to the state.

ACT leader David Seymour, who is trying to get a referendum on the Treaty of Waitangi, has rubbished a Te Pāti Māori-backed member’s bill to make Waitangi Tribunal recommendations binding, claiming the tribunal sees itself as a “parallel Government”.

Te Pāti Māori is proposing a new law that would make Waitangi Tribunal recommendations binding on the Crown.

Ngāti Raukawa had the final word, closing a four-year programme of Waitangi Tribunal hearings to hear evidence from the Iwi.

Almost a third of people in state and faith-based institutions between 1950 and 2019 were abused, the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care has found, describing it as a “disgrace” and a “stain” on the national character.

Ahead of David Seymour unveiling the draft version of his Treaty Principles Bill, community groups and political parties prepare to oppose the controversial legislation.

A patient advocate says David Seymour's new instructions to Pharmac could do more for Māori access to medicines than simply having a "Te Tiriti provision".

In light of David Seymour directing Pharmac to no longer consider Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Pāti Māori has called for his resignation as associate Health Minister.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour has told Pharmac it is inappropriate for the agency to keep considering the Treaty of Waitangi's place in the health sector.