Seymour Attacks Iwi Agreements | Christchurch News

Acting PM David Seymour is pushing hard to scrap existing iwi participation agreements, calling them “fundamentally undemocratic” and arguing they give disproportionate influence over local planning — a move he says undermines New Zealand’s shared national interest. As the government drafts a new Resource Management Act, Environment Canterbury quietly dropped a similar deal with Ngāi Tahu amid backlash. Seymour also announced plans to dismantle the Māori Health Authority and overhaul the Three Waters program, defending the failed Treaty Principles Bill as a necessary step toward equality. He praised Christchurch’s booming economy and rising property prices, predicting a razor-thin election outcome as voters feel the government’s direction — even if benefits aren’t yet visible. Seymour admits the government has done “the right thing” but admits it hasn’t gone far enough for everyone — and even threw in a cheeky boxing match prediction, giving Paul Henry the edge for brains and charm. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9f2bea0cfe55e8d8