New Zealand First has pledged to replace the Treaty of Waitangi Tribunal if elected, calling the board a "make-work organisation".
Speaking from Tauranga's Holy Trinity Church at a public meeting this afternoon, Winston Peters said the party would "immediately abolish" the tribunal, creating the Treaty of Waitangi Completion Commission as an alternative.
The Completion Commission would review all claims made prior to 2008, "after which time its work will be finished".
During the first 100 days in government, NZ First would table all legislation in order to focus on the Waitangi Tribunal amendments.
Peters said the current organisation was not fit for purpose or appropriate in today's political environment.
"The Treaty of Waitangi industry jobs will be replaced by real work," he said.
"The days of the Waitangi Tribunal acting as an authority of parliament will be over."
A "strengthened" Ministry of Māori Development would be responsible for handling current and future Treaty of Waitangi issues and policies, as well as Crown Māori relations, as it once was in 1991.
Peters said the Ministry would cover claims and maintain Māori success across the country.
"The Ministry will ensure that Māori-owned land, marine farming, forestry and other resources continue to enhance regional productivity, employment and community resilience," Peters said.
"Contemporary claims, modern policy differences, and post-settlement leadership will be the responsibility of the Ministry of Māori Development."
NZ First believed the policy would allow Kiwis to remain "equal citizens with equal rights".
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