New Zealand - May 2026

On 15 May, the New Zealand Government proposed amendments to 19 laws. The amendments diminish the state’s responsibilities under the Treaty of Waitangi, impacting education, conservation, local government and natural resource management.  Under the Treaty, the state is obligated to protect Maori rights and interests. Critics, including legal scholars, Maori representatives, and the governmental Waitangi Tribunal say the reforms aim to reduce Maori participation in decision-making and alter the constitutional balance underpinning government–Maori relations. In its first report on the plans, the Waitangi Tribunal recommended the government halt draft legislation relating to education entirely. Supporters argue the changes will increase legal clarity and democratic accountability. 

Sources: Radio New Zealand (1), Radio New Zealand (2), Lowy Institute

The New Zealand government announced plans to abolish the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA), the independent body responsible for adjudicating complaints about broadcast content and enforcing broadcasting standards. The decision was made in response to the BSA’s decision to investigate a complaint about racist comments made on a podcast on the online media outlet The Platform. The BSA ruled that the Platform was operating as a ‘broadcaster’ according to New Zealand law and was therefore subject to its jurisdiction, an interpretation The Platform and the government rejected. Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith said the non-governmental Media Council will now be the primary regulator, but it is a voluntary membership body without enforcement powers (in existence since 1972). Critics of the decision argue that removing the BSA risks weakening protections against harmful, discriminatory and racist content and reduces avenues for public complaints. Supporters contend that the attempt to regulate online content was bureaucratic overreach.

Sources: Radio New Zealand (1), Radio New Zealand (2), Pacific Media Network