7. Hon TAU HENARE (National) Link to this
to the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations
What progress has the Government made towards its aspirational goal of settling historical Treaty of Waitangi claims by 2014?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) Link to this
Very good progress. In December last year the Government signed deeds of settlement with Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Pāhauwera, and Rangitāne o Wairau. The Government also initialled deeds of settlement with Ngāi Tamanuhiri, Ngāti Mākino, and Ngāti Rereahu over the Maraeroa blocks claims. I just mention to Mr Horomia in passing that his associate Mr Jones said on Tuesday that these were small and insignificant iwi. Perhaps he should tell Mr Māhuika that.
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
Among other things, Treaty settlements provide a regional economic stimulus that creates jobs, boosts investment, and lays the foundation for future economic prosperity for Māori and non-Māori. That is why this Government is committed to the expeditious completion of durable settlements, and has devoted fresh energy to this important area, and why in 2 years we have achieved as much as Labour did in 9 years.
Hon Parekura Horomia Link to this
Will the Minister give the House his assurance that he will discourage Government members from cutting short select committee processes on the settlement bills in the way he did on the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON Link to this
Members of the Māori Affairs Committee, of which this member is one, will always give very careful consideration to Treaty settlement bills.