8. TE URUROA FLAVELL (Māori Party—Waiariki) Link to this
to the Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
What are the water and geothermal resources that are referred to in the proposed settlement with the central North Island iwi collective?
Hon SHANE JONES (Associate Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) Link to this
Although we have not reached a deed of settlement at this point, the terms of agreement signed on 22 February focus on forest and forest land, while providing the opportunity to discuss additional cultural and commercial redress.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
Are the issues in respect of water and geothermal resources also under the definition of “cultural redress”?
As I said, the Crown has received a terms of agreement. Obviously, what the other party seeks to enjoy as redress will be teased out in the inevitable negotiations.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The issue of cultural redress was raised by the Minister in respect of cultural elements within the settlement. I asked for a definition of it. I am sure that as a part of the negotiations the Minister should have a closer idea about what the definition might be. That was the gist of the question.
Madam SPEAKERAs I have explained on several occasions to the member in the past, you cannot require a specific answer to a question. If you do, if you wish that, and other members do, please get the Standing Orders changed. It would help me immensely. The Minister did actually address the question, if not to the member’s satisfaction.
Dave HereoraWhat reports has the Minister seen on reaction to recent progress on the central North Island iwi collective negotiations?
The signing of the terms of agreement and the receipt by the Crown of the proposal from the central North Island iwi collective have been welcomed enthusiastically by the iwi involved. The strong support for the process outlined by Mr Flavell in his statement to the press must be noted. Naturally, we also welcome support from Aotearoa tuatahi, New Zealand First. It is important to note that since the terms of agreement were signed in February, Te Pūmautanga o Te Arawa has agreed to work with the collective. All iwi concerned should be congratulated.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
What come-back will other tribes have to the water and geothermal resources if they have claims in respect of water and geothermal resources, when these same resources are being included in a proposed comprehensive settlement in which they have no part at this point?
The terms of agreement outline the expectations of one party to the negotiations. The negotiations lie between the Crown and the Māori tribes, not the Māori Party. The full import, extent, and meaning of the redress will be teased out in the context of these negotiations, of which Te Pūmautanga o Te Arawa are now a part, but it would be wrong to pre-empt the content or final direction of those negotiations as a consequence of a question from the Māori Party.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Has the Minister received any reports of support in this House for the process that Dr Cullen has undertaken, and do they include the Māori Party, because there are many involved in Māoridom in the central North Island who believe that this is their best opportunity ever to have this matter resolved with some sense of expediency?
It is a matter of fact that Mr Flavell was present at the Tūwharetoa hui where this suggestion, this proposal, was put forward. We have decided to conclude that that represents his support, unlike the actions of the party’s co-leader Tariana Turia, who is about to apologise to Ngāti Porou for insulting them over their seabed and foreshore settlement.