NZ Leaders Face Frosty Reception Amid Moves to Cancel Distinct Indigenous Legal Rights

Senior New Zealand government figures met head-to-head on Aug. 19 with a pan-Māori movement, inexorably opposed to its efforts to end what it sees as special treatment on the basis of race. Although there is sometimes disagreement between—and even within—tribes on political issues, they appear united against a government which has, since taking office, taken an axe to several agencies charged with delivery of services exclusive to Māori. Some have called these moves “racist” while others see it as redressing a balance that has long been out of kilter. Among its more contentious decisions have been the complete closure of the Māori Health Authority and the slashing of staff numbers at the Office of Māori-Crown Relations....