This collection of papers examines the current place of the Treaty of Waitangi in core public policy areas. The authors analyse the tensions and dynamics in the relationship between Māori and the Crown in their areas of expertise, detail the key challenges being faced, and provide insights into how these can be overcome.

The policy areas covered in the collection span the environment, Māori and social development, health, broadcasting, the Māori language, prison and the courts, local government, research, science and technology, culture and heritage, foreign affairs, women's issues, labour, youth, education, economics, housing and the electoral system.