Māori health advocates say a Crown memo opposing an urgent Waitangi Tribunal inquiry demonstrates a 'blatant disregard' of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
Lady Moxon said the Crown response "signifies a systematic breakdown of the principles outlined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi across all government levels."
In its response, the Crown acknowledged it had not consulted with its Treaty partner and it currently had no alternative solution to addressing health inequities for Māori.
The Crown said its decision to dismantle Te Aka Whai Ora was "made by the government at the political level following political parties campaigning on this issue ahead of the recent General Election."
A submission responding to the Crowns opposition was filed on behalf of claimants on Wednesday which said the Crown "clearly intended to create backlash against Māori."
It said, the government intentionally created the "false impression of special treatment for Māori" and that "special treatment was presented as a problem politicians could promise to solve if elected, as a means to gain votes."
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