2. MOANA MACKEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
What progress has been made in resolving historic treaty claims in the central North Island?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) Link to this
Very good progress. On Friday I received a proposal from the central North Island iwi collective that was a very positive step forward in the innovative process of settling the central North Island forest lands commercial claims. This was presented at Waihī, and was supported by hundreds of leaders and people from the various involved iwi.
Hon Mark BurtonIn congratulating the Minister and the central North Island iwi collective, I ask whether he can tell the House what reports he has seen on reaction to this excellent progress.
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
The proposal was clearly welcomed enthusiastically by the iwi involved and I indicated that it was very much the basis on which the Government would be able to talk about a final settlement. I was very pleased particularly to see a statement of support from the Māori Party, and the presence, in support, of Te Ururoa Flavell.
Rt Hon Winston PetersHon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
And New Zealand First, whose support in all matters is always welcome, including in some others we have yet to come to today. I also noticed that since the terms of agreement were signed in February, Te Pūmautanga o te Arawa has agreed to work with the collective to develop the settlement proposal. I would like to congratulate the iwi collective on its determination to develop a proposal that can be considered by the Crown.
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
I was surprised to receive a report from Mr John Key, stating that he was sceptical that the process would be successful, in which he seemed to be unaware that he was criticising a process that is, in fact, iwi-led and iwi-initiated. This seems very odd, as his own party member the Hon Georgina te Heuheu has lent her weight to the process, and it will come as a great disappointment to the other 100,000 people involved in this.