any relations maintained between those minorities and the country from which they originated; on the living conditions of the ethnic minorities; and on the conditions that must be fulfilled in order to be able to exercise the right to vote as provided for in article 13 of the Constitution. 235. In conclusion, members expressed the hope that the next periodic report of the Dominican Republic would contain the necessary information and clarification. New Zealand 236. The eighth and ninth periodic reports of New Zealand, submitted in one consolidated document (CERD/C/184/Add.5), were considered by the Committee at its 877th and 878th meetings, held on 15 and 16 August 1990 (CEFD/C/SR.877-878). 237. The reports were introduced by the representative of the reporting State, who referred, in particular, to the creation in 1989 of the Ministry of Maori Affairs and of the Iwi Transition Agency, which aimed to strengthen the operational base of the indigenous groups. On the occasion of the celebration, in 1990, of the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, a set of five principles, "The Principles for Crown Action on the Treaty of Waitangi", had been promulgated, making clear the Government's responsibilities and obligations in respect of the Treaty, Steps had recently been taken to accelerate the activities of the Waitangi Tribunal, which considered alleged breaches of the Treaty. Public Service recruitment policies also took that Treaty into account and government departments had adopted a bicultural approach. Equal opportunities for recruitment -56- to the public Service of Maori people and other ethnic minorities were also provided under the State Sector Act. 238. Maoris now constituted over 12 per cent of the population,, and people of Pacific Island Polynesian descent made up about 4 per cent. Racial equality was a fundamental principle of society and New Zealand was committed to a partnership 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the situation of ethnic minorities in two countries, the Dominican Republic and New Zealand, focusing on their relations with their countries of origin, living conditions, and voting rights. It seems to be more related to the social and political aspects of the countries rather than economic or environmental issues.

**Category**
Human rights, Culture