The Priority Should Be the WAI 262 Report - Not the WIPO-IGC

Abstract

This paper argues that the Crown in New Zealand should meet its Treaty obligations to Māori to provide effective protection of Māori culture and Māori traditional knowledge. These issues were addressed in the Wai 262 report released by the Waitangi Tribunal. The Tribunal made specific recommendations which have not been addressed by the Government. The Tribunal pointed out that New Zealand risks have policies imposed on it as a result of negotiations at international for a including the WIPO-IGC. The Government should therefore focus on the Waitangi Tribunal report and address the issues raised there before participating in international fora.

Keywords: intellectual property, indigenous peoples

JEL Classification: O34,K11