Tensions between Māoridom and the coalition Government have been bubbling up since the latter was sworn in last year. 

Outrage over the Treaty Principles Bill and cuts to services for Māori has seen multiple protests, mostly recently the ‘Carkoi’ rally across the motu on Budget Day. 

That same protest saw this animosity take on a new angle, with Te Pati Māori issuing a declaration of political independence and calling for a separate Māori Parliament.  

So how serious are these calls, and is there any path back from the precipice?  

Today on The Front Page, we discuss the details behind the tension with Dr Carwyn Jones, co-editor of the Māori Law Review and honorary adjunct professor in Māori Studies at Victoria University of Wellington.  

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Sound Engineer: Paddy Fox
Producer: Ethan Sills