ACT leader and Regulations Minister David Seymour also hit back at the tribunal’s summons, saying they were “buying a fight with someone of much greater mana” and suggested “perhaps they should be wound up for their own good”.
Luxon has been overseas this week on a trade delegation to Southeast Asia. Questioned on the final day of the trip in Manila about those remarks by his coalition partners, he said they were “ill considered” on both counts.
“I think those comments are ill considered, I mean we expect all ministers to actually exercise good judgement I think in their communications on matters like this,” Luxon said about Jones’ statements.
“What we need to be focused on is many commentators and others and we certainly have it in our coalition agreement is to look at the future role of the Waitangi Tribunal going forward and that’s something that should happen in a very proper and considered process. So I think the comments are ill considered.”
Asked about Seymour, his response was much the same.
“Well, again, those comments are ill considered. And I expect my ministers to actually exercise good judgement on communications of that nature.
“What I would say to you is there is no doubt about it, we are focused on making sure that going forward in a post-treaty settlements world what is the future role and scope and purpose of the Waitangi Tribunal. That needs some thinking. We will work that through in a very proper and comprehensive way in government.”
He suggested both Jones and Seymour would be given that directive in no uncertain terms.
“Well, I haven’t had a chance to talk to them, but that message will be underscored to the ministers. Yep.”
He said he was unsure if Attorney-General Judith Collins had spoken to them, but “those remarks, as I said, I think are ill considered, I think ministers need to exercise good judgement”.