David Williams

Guest writer

Dr David V Williams FRSNZ is a Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Law at The University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau. He is currently a member of the Waitangi Tribunal and a member of the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira Trust Board.

Matiu Rata was the minister responsible for introducing the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975. (Image: Te Tai Treaty Settlement Stories / https://tetai.nz/en/te-mana-o-te-reo-maori-matiu-rata). (Additional design: The Spinoff).

The Waitangi Tribunal: 50 years of damning criticisms and ‘mild’ recommendations

A current Waitangi Tribunal member reflects on its origins and impact.

By David Williams | 8th October, 2025