Treaty lawyer Annette Sykes says a new Waitangi Tribunal hearing will examine the treatment of Maori who served in the Vietnam War.
The Tribunal has revealed the issue is one of 22 new investigations of national significance.
An Australian medical officer treating the New Zealand W Company during a resupply in the field during the Vietnam War. Photo: AAP / AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL / EKT / 69 / 0015 / VN
While not taking the case herself, Ms Sykes said there would be an inquiry to the veterans exposed to the defoliation chemical Agent Orange.
She said the veterans estimated one of their members were dying daily or every two days from the effects of the chemical.
Ms Sykes said they hadn't been treated as fairly as their American and Australian counterparts.