Maori Party.

• Position: ELECTION 2005 - Political party

The Maori Party is driven by kaupapa or values that emanate from a Maori worldview, and believes strongly that these values can be beneficially applied to forming sound and innovative policy across the board. Accordingly, these values provide a rich basis from which foreign policy goals can be advanced.

From the Maori Party's kaupapa framework, Te Tahuhu Herenga Kaupapa, the values of particular importance to foreign policy are: the sharing of wealth, resources and knowledge (manaaldtanga); giving expression to the right of tangata whenua and all indigenous peoples to be self-determining, thus ensuring tangata whenua involvement as full partners to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) in all foreign policy decisions (rangatiratanga); affirming local, national and international relationships (whanaungatanga); establishing, building and protecting common international and indigenous standards (kotahitanga); ensuring the integrity of connections between people and the environment is maintained (wairuatanga); and recognising and complying with international and indigenous conventions, laws, treaties and declarations that are compatible with Te Tiriti o Waitangi (mana tupuna/ whakapapa).

Central to the Maori Party's foreign policy commitments is Te Tiriti o Waitangi. As the nation's constitutional blueprint, all decisions and actions undertaken by the government are to be consistent with its three articles. In line with this expectation, the Maori Party will oppose any international agreements and government actions which breach Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Instead, the party advocates for the development of a kaupapa-based trade and foreign policy which upholds the values of manaakitanga, rangatiratanga and kotahitanga.

In giving due recognition to rangatiratanga, the party anticipates that there be tangata whenua involvement in all decision-making on international trade, security and relationship agreements, allowing for enhanced scrutiny and consideration of perceived benefits and risks. Appropriate Te Tiriti-based monitoring of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements and treaties is critical to ensure the nation's economic independence is protected, supported and enhanced.

Upholding and expressing the values of manaakitanga, rangatiratanga, whanaungatanga and kotahitanga, the Maori Party makes specific commitments to establishing and enhancing international indigenous relationships with regards to trade, security and supporting...