New Zealand was concerned, he said that there was a strong inclination for Young N@w Zealanders, including Maori, to leave the country to seek better economic Opportunities elsewhere. The method used to determine whether a person was of Maori descent or belonged to a particular tribe was based on self-identification, MaOri land courts had competence to determine who was or was not a Maori. It was not possible for a Maori not to belong to any tribe, but it was quite common for MaOri to have links with several tribes. 249. In connection with the questions raised on article 2 of the Convention, the representative of the reporting State indicated that the Treaty of Waitangi bad never been formally incorporated in New Zealand law and that, COnSeqUently, a number of earlier court decisions had failed to give effect to its principles. The situation was entirely different at the present time and the Treaty Was eVen regarded by some as having a higher status in the courts than an Act Of Parliament. The Treaty was applied to all New Zealanders, including recent immigrants, and there was no question of Maori tribes being excluded from its PrOVisions. 250. There was no hostility between the various New Zealand Maori tribes at the present time. This harmonious and constructive relationship was exemplified by a recent important development within Maori society - the holding of a National Maori Congress made up of representatives from each iwi. The need to increase the Waitangi Tribunal membership had resulted from its heavy case-load. At the present time, the Tribunal had eight Maori members and eight European members. As the Chief Judge was a Maori, there was a majority of Maori on the Tribunal. All New Zealanders had equal access to the courts and the decisions of the High Court of Appeal were binding on the Maori Land Court. 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the social and cultural aspects of New Zealand, specifically the relationship between the government and the Maori people. It touches on economic opportunities and the Treaty of Waitangi, but these topics are secondary to the main focus on Maori identity, tribes, and cultural institutions.

**Category**
Culture, Employment