11. SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga) Link to this
to the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
What progress is the Government making towards its goal of settling historical Treaty claims by 2014?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) Link to this
Tomorrow the Prime Minister and other Ministers will be attending the apology ceremony with affiliate Te Arawa iwi and hapū, where the Prime Minister will formally deliver an apology on behalf of the Crown for breaches of the Treaty. The apology marks the completion of the affiliate Te Arawa iwi and hapū comprehensive Treaty settlement process. Te Pūmautanga o Te Arawa and the Crown will be able to move forward together, building a new relationship and a new future, having settled the past.
What other progress has the Government recently made towards its goal of settling historical Treaty claims by 2014?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
This week the Government introduced the Ngāti Apa North Island Claims Settlement Bill and the Whanganui Iwi (Wanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Wanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill. This follows on from the recent passing of the Taranaki Whānui settlement legislation, the signing of joint terms of negotiation with the Ngā Punawai o te Tokotoru iwi, the signing of terms of negotiation with Ngāi Takato, the transfer of assets to Central North Island Iwi, and the signing of an agreement in principle with Ngāti Whare.
What support has the Government received in reaching these and other recent milestones in Treaty settlements?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
I have received invaluable support from the Māori Party, whose members are extremely committed to progressing Treaty settlements. With their support, I have been able to secure an extra $22 million in this year’s Budget to help speed up Treaty settlements; additional claimant funding, especially for those claimant groups not eligible for Crown Forestry Rental Trust funding; and promoting greater use of chief Crown negotiators and independent facilitators. Those initiatives sit alongside the two Treaty settlement hui I hosted alongside the Minister of Māori Affairs this year. Together we are committed to a process that enhances the mana of the Crown and of claimant groups, and makes up for the shameful performance of the previous Government.