Iwi group to hold own constitutional review

A group of iwi is holding its own constitutional review rejecting the official Government run process.

A constitutional review to be led by the Government and the Maori Party was announced last week. The three-year review would examine electoral issues, the role of the Treaty of Waitangi, and whether New Zealand should have a written constitution.

Following a national hui in February a working group on constitutional transformation led by Professor Margaret Mutu and Moana Jackson was set up and it met last weekend at Waipapa Marae at the University of Auckland.

The group aimed to develop a constitution based on Maori culture.

"The group is aware that the Crown has recently instigated a constitutional review. We have made it clear that the Crown is not in a position to speak for Maori on this matter," Prof Mutu said.

Mr Jackson said the group would think about how to give Maori beliefs into a constitution.

"It also involves asking our people to "Think outside the Westminster System" and imagine a world that appreciates Maori processes and values."

- NZPA