7. TE URUROA FLAVELL (Māori Party—Waiariki) Link to this
to the Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
Does he agree that the current approach to processes of iwi authenticity and mandate for the Te Arawa Lakes settlement are robust; if so, how does he justify the statement of his Associate Minister in the House last week that he was unable to give an assurance regarding Ngāti Rangiteaorere that iwi will not multi-vote, on the basis of whakapapa links to other iwi involved in the claim?
Hon MARK BURTON (Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) Link to this
Yes, but I would note that the member seems to be confusing the Te Arawa Lakes settlement with the Ngā Kaihautū o Te Arawa Executive Council settlement, to which the Associate Minister last week was actually referring in his remarks.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
How can settlements be robust when negotiators from iwi such as Ngāti Tama, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Awa, Te Uri o Hau, and other tribal nations have concluded that the process is flawed and the rules are inconsistent?
Pita ParaoneDoes the Minister think that reference to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in the Te Arawa Lakes Settlement Bill will have any impact on the terms of the settlement and the effect of the bill; if so, how?
Yes. I think they give effect to the intent of the negotiation in good faith between the two parties.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
In light of the inconsistencies, how can any settlement be considered to be full and final, and what is the Minister’s response to the call from iwi to return to Parliament to seek a just, full, and final settlement?
I think it is presumptuous for those not involved in a negotiation to call on those involved in a negotiation to return to Parliament when they have negotiated in good faith and reached settlement in good faith. I note that those settlements have been reached over a number of years by a number of Governments. I think we must respect good-faith negotiations properly concluded.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
I seek leave to table a publication by the Crown Forestry Rental Trust called M