In 1987 a landmark decision by the Court of Appeal described the Treaty as &quot; part of the fabric of New Zealand society &quot; and as &quot; the country &apos; s founding constitutional instrument &quot; , based on legislation that prohibited &quot; the Crown to act in a manner that is inconsistent with the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. &quot;
In 1987 a landmark decision by the Court of Appeal described the Treaty as &quot; part of the fabric of New Zealand society &quot; and as &quot; the country &apos; s founding constitutional instrument &quot; , based on legislation that prohibited &quot; the Crown to act in a manner that is inconsistent with the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. &quot;