Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres says the Government is sending a signal to the world it's taking Maori rights seriously.
Mr de Bres told Waatea News that by affirming the non-binding UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Government has created expectations it will tackle inequalities in Maori health, education and justice.
That's despite the qualified language in a speech Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples gave to the ninth session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York this week.
Mr de Bres says New Zealand was under huge international pressure over its previous opposition to the declaration.
