As one of the oldest Māori representative groups, the council exerts pressure on New Zealand governments to protect Treaty of Waitangi rights.
"[8] It also resulted in the first written version of the treaty principles that outline the doctrine of partnership, protection, consultation, and compensation for Māori.
As a result of the case, the Labour Government was blocked from alienating land in transfers to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) when the resources would be subject to Waitangi Tribunal.
[clarification needed] In December 2012, the High Court ruled against the Māori Council, saying that selling the assets to private investors would not prevent future Treaty of Waitangi claims.
[12] In September 2013, the council filed a claim with the Waitangi Tribunal over the government's review of the Māori Community Development Act 1962.
[citation needed] Political representation The council took the Crown to the Waitangi Tribunal for not upholding the tino rangatiratanga ("self-determination") of Māori.