Jones expressed surprise during an interview with Radio Waatea at Minister for Children Karen Chhour’s summons to provide evidence at an urgent inquiry into the repeal of Section 7aa of the Oranga Tamariki Act.
He criticised the tribunal’s approach, likening it to a ‘star chamber’ and asserting that it overstepped its role by summoning ministers.
The Star Chamber court operated in England during the High Middle Ages, and was known for its secretive and often arbitrary proceedings, conducted behind closed doors with no jury and no right of appeal.
It was abolished in 1641, and today, the term ‘star chamber’ is often used metaphorically to refer to any secretive or oppressive legal or administrative body.
“The Waitangi Tribunal has no business operating like a star chamber, issuing peremptory summons for ministers to be cross-examined or grilled,” Jones remarked, emphasising that the tribunal’s focus should be on policy effects rather than its construction.
Jones also indicated that a review of the tribunal’s operations would commence soon.
Responding to Jones’s comments, a spokesperson for the Māori Law Society told state media it was concerned his remarks breached the principle of separation of powers and the Cabinet Manual. The Waitangi Tribunal’s role was that of an independent Commission of Inquiry, akin to a court, whose decisions could be adversely affected by such criticism.
The society highlighted that Jones’s previous criticisms during the election campaign differed because he wasn’t part of the executive then. However, his current comments could undermine the tribunal’s processes regarding an ongoing case, which is not within the executive’s purview.
As a result, the Māori Law Society is seeking a review to determine if there has been a breach of the Cabinet Manual, urging Attorney-General Judith Collins to uphold the integrity of the judicial branch within Cabinet, and requesting a meeting with the Prime Minister and Attorney-General alongside the Cabinet Office to discuss the matter further.
Jones says the heyday of the Waitangi Tribunal had passed and that it struggles to remain relevant in the contemporary MMP environment.
No time for either Jones or the so called Tribunal…..happy to see both disappear from the NZ political landscape.
An independent Commission of Inquiry is NOT a court.
The people are sick of over-reaching attitude of racism, commission or not!
And for once a politician is right: the tribunal, rightly named ‘tribunal’, has no standing as a Malleus Maleficarum. Bloody racist club!
Thank god we have Shane Jones in Govt. Smart and astute. To me he is the standout.
This country has become a racist apartheid sh1thole. The Zimbabwe of the pacific. Formerly thr bread basket of the pacific.
I am too old to leave but I hope my kids find somewhere better to live. Doubtful. Russia looks good right now.
Thank heaven for someone speaking up. The WT should be disbanded. We are 1 country with 1 law for all. Enough of racist tribunals etc etc.
Referendum is looking more needed all the time.
Time for democracy to show its face.
Let’s vote
Thanks Angels, Well said!
Angels April 19, 2024 At 7:35 am
Thank heaven for someone speaking up. The WT should be disbanded. We are 1 country with 1 law for all. Enough of racist tribunals etc etc.
Referendum is looking more needed all the time.
Time for democracy to show its face.
Let’s vote . . . I believe that we in NZ have the basis to put forth a whole lot of common sense heart-felt . can we find it?
Thanks RCR. WE con show and give empathy, and love for our country’s citizens if we can give a chunk of care for fellow man. . . . PG