The Labour Party is pledging to have all historical Treaty of Waitangi claims settled by 2020.
Treaty settlement documents waiting to be signed. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
The party released its Maori development policy in Whangarei today.
Labour leader David Cunliffe said getting historical claims settled by 2020 was achievable, and once that was done Labour would review the role and function of the Waitangi Tribunal.
Mr Cunliffe said he didn't see the tribunal ceasing to exist, but it would be appropriate to review it after the settlement process and consider whether it could be improved.
Labour would also legislate to provide statutory recognition of Maori as the indigenous people of Aotearoa-New Zealand, and to encourage the learning and use of te reo Maori in schools.
Mr Cunliffe said Labour was committed to working towards a positive Treaty partnership in the post-settlement era.