Foreign Minister Winston Peters Criticizes Judicial Overreach in Speech to Oxford Union Debate

Strategic Insights -

New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, made headlines by delivering a speech at the Oxford Union Debate, where he argued that the country's courts undermine democracy. This marks the first time a sitting New Zealand MP has participated in the debates since David Lange's infamous 1985 statement about smelling uranium on his opponent's breath. Peters' speech cited examples of judicial overreach in areas such as resource management, the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi, and the role of tikanga in the Marine and Coastal Areas Act foreshore and seabed legislation. He emphasized the importance of Parliament being the highest court in the land and criticized the introduction of ambiguous concepts like "tikanga" by the courts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Foreign Minister Winston Peters delivered a speech at the Oxford Union Debate, arguing that the courts in New Zealand undermine democracy.
  • This marks the first time a sitting New Zealand MP has participated in the debates since David Lange's statement in 1985.
  • Peters cited examples of judicial overreach, including resource management, the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi, and the role of tikanga in the Marine and Coastal Areas Act foreshore and seabed legislation.
  • The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of Parliament being the highest court in the land and criticized the introduction of ambiguous concepts like "tikanga" by the courts.
  • Peters quoted Abraham Lincoln, saying that only elected politicians can govern "by the people" and that Parliament must strive to be the voice of the people.
  • His position was defeated in the debate by 140 votes to 70.

Statistics:

  • 2 sitting New Zealand MPs have participated in the Oxford Union Debate in the past year: ACT leader David Seymour in June and Labour MP Willie Jackson in May.
  • The Oxford Union Debate has been held annually since 1886.
  • Winston Peters voiced his opposition to the courts' interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi on multiple occasions.
  • The Marine and Coastal Areas Act foreshore and seabed legislation has undergone changes due to the courts' introduction of "tikanga" as a concept.

Sources:

  • Winston Peters, Speech to Oxford Union Debate, *The New Zealand Herald*, [1]
  • Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863.