4. DAVE HEREORA (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
What significant milestone was reached as part of a recent Treaty negotiation?
Hon MARK BURTON (Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) Link to this
Last Friday on behalf of the Crown I signed an agreement in principle with Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa to settle Te Rarawa’s historical Treaty claims. The settlement includes financial and commercial redress comprising quantum of $20 million, the opportunity to purchase 29 percent of Ōpōuri Forest, and other Crown properties, and commitment by the Crown to negotiate for the purchase of two Landcorp farms that Te Rarawa will have the opportunity to acquire over time. This milestone is particularly significant in that many New Zealanders will remember the hīkoi of 1975 led by the late Dame Whina Cooper, which brought wide public awareness of Māori grievances. This settlement was with her people at her marae, Waipuna.
A key feature of the agreement in principle redress is a unique whenua ngahere package that provides for Te Rarawa’s increased involvement in the management of conservation land at all levels, reflecting Te Rarawa’s and the Crown’s joint commitment to conservation outcomes for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
Dr Pita SharplesTēnā koe, Madam Speaker, tēnā tātou katoa. Does the Minister agree that the recent decision to delay the controversial affiliate Te Arawa settlement is a significant milestone in the Treaty policy process, demonstrating that the Crown is finally owning up to the policy failure identified by the chief executive of the Federation of Māori Authorities as “The Government has been deceitful and acted in bad faith over the settlement.”; if not, why not?
No; I think it marks a milestone in the fact that despite a good-faith negotiation both parties have agreed to put aside for the time being the advancement of that legislative matter to enable and to support the efforts of other iwi in the area to engage and to consider the central North Island collectively.
No, the signing of the agreement in principle with Te Rarawa follows the release in May of a draft agreement in principle to settle Waikato-Tainui’s claims to the Waikato River, the signing of terms of negotiation with Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa iwi later that month, and the signing of an agreement in principle with North Island Ngāti Apa in July.
Hone HarawiraDoes the agreement in principle signed last Friday for the settlement of Te Rarawa’s historical Treaty claims provide Te Rarawa with the ability to control their mineral resources and access to the benefits for mineral exploitation—an opportunity that will be of great significance to their people and their communities; if not, why not?