A United Nations committee has issued a sharp warning to New Zealand about threats to Māori rights and racial equality. The UN’s Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) reviewed New Zealand's record last month as part of an eight-year cycle. The report, released on December 5, points to serious concerns about government actions like ending the Māori Health Authority and cutting funding for Māori services. The committee also criticized the government's moves to reduce the role of the Treaty of Waitangi—the key document supporting Māori rights—in schools and governance. It warned these policies "may seriously risk weakening the legal, institutional and policy framework" meant to fight racial discrimination. Māori leader Lady Tureiti Moxon described the report as "unprecedented in both its length and its language," stating, "CERD is clear: New Zealand is moving backwards on racial equality, and Māori rights are under serious threat." She noted this was the strongest critique ever issued by CERD, unlike the 2017 review which saw some progress. The report also flagged ongoing disparities faced by Māori in education, housing, health, and political participation. It criticized some politicians for calling affirmative action "racial privilege" and said Māori political voices are unfairly targeted. Recent laws may also limit protection of Māori land rights. The committee urged the government to protect the Māori language and warned that removing treaty clauses in laws could deepen systemic discrimination. The government must report back with concrete steps on matters including environmental protection and justice system reforms. Minister for Māori Crown Relations Tama Pokata said he had not yet read the report but affirmed the government’s commitment to improving equity for Māori. The coalition government has pushed to end race-based policies and has made major changes affecting Māori since 2023, sparking protests and legal challenges. These policy shifts have triggered the largest-ever protests for Māori rights, multiple tribunal claims, and nationwide meetings among Māori leaders. The government, backed by the National party and its partners, continues to face strong criticism over these reforms.