Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) : I move, That the Ngati Tuwharetoa, Raukawa, and Te Arawa River Iwi Waikato River Bill be now read a third time. The presence in the gallery of people representing those iwi to witness the third reading of this bill is testimony to the bill’s significance, to the significance of the Waikato River to these iwi, and not least of all to the contribution iwi will make to the co-governance and co-management of the Waikato River. Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) : I always enjoy the intelligent contributions of the previous speaker, Maryan Street. I greatly appreciated that contribution. It makes a refreshing change from the mindless negativism one often gets from that side of the House. Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) : I begin by thanking the speaker who has just resumed her seat, the Hon Maryan Street, for her generous comments and helpful insights; they were greatly appreciated. The Ngati Tuwharetoa, Raukawa, and Te Arawa River Iwi Waikato River Bill marks another milestone heralding the advent of a new era for the Waikato River in which the Crown, iwi, and local authorities will work side by side to bring about the restoration and protection of the health and well-being of the Waikato River for present and future generations. |
