New Zealand's approach to indigenous rights post-WWII differed from Australia's in several ways. Firstly, New Zealand had a foundational treaty, the Treaty of Waitangi, which provided a legal basis for addressing Māori grievances, something Australia lacked. This led to the creation of the Waitangi Tribunal in 1975, which was not paralleled in Australia. Secondly, New Zealand pursued a bicultural approach, officially recognising Māori culture and language, including incorporating Te Reo Māori as an official language in 1987. In contrast, Australia's approach was more focused on multiculturalism and did not formally incorporate indigenous cultures and languages into national policies until much later.

The Mabo decision in 1992 was a landmark legal case in Australia that significantly influenced indigenous policy. It overturned the Terra Nullius doctrine – which claimed Australia was land belonging to no one when European settlement occurred – and acknowledged the traditional rights of the Meriam people to their lands in the Torres Strait. This decision led to the Native Title Act of 1993, providing a legal framework for indigenous Australians to claim land rights. The Mabo decision was pivotal in recognising the historical connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their land, and it marked a significant shift towards indigenous land rights in Australia.

International perspectives on human rights had a significant influence on indigenous policies in Australia and New Zealand. The post-World War II era saw the emergence of a global human rights movement, marked by the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This international focus on human rights, coupled with the decolonisation process and the global indigenous rights movement, placed pressure on both countries to improve their treatment of indigenous populations. International forums and organisations, such as the United Nations, played a key role in this regard, providing platforms for advocacy and dialogue, which helped to shape domestic policies towards greater recognition and respect for indigenous rights.

The Stolen Generations policy, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were forcibly removed from their families, had a devastating impact on these communities in Australia. It led to a loss of cultural identity, as children were placed in non-indigenous environments where they were often discouraged or prevented from practising their culture and language. This policy resulted in long-term psychological trauma, both for the children who were removed and for their families left behind. It also contributed to the breakdown of traditional family structures and community cohesion. The effects of this policy are still felt today, with ongoing social and emotional repercussions for the descendants of those who were removed.

The change in policies towards indigenous peoples in Australia and New Zealand after World War II was driven by a combination of internal and external factors. Internally, the growing civil rights movement globally and the increased awareness of indigenous issues within these countries played a crucial role. Indigenous activism, such as the 1965 Freedom Ride in Australia, brought attention to the plight of indigenous peoples. Externally, international pressure and evolving human rights norms, particularly from the United Nations and other international bodies, influenced these policy shifts. Additionally, the global decolonisation movement post-World War II created an environment that was more conducive to acknowledging and addressing indigenous rights.