Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations): In its journey from Lake Taupō to the sea, the mighty Waikato River flows through the heartland of Waikato-Tainui and the iwi who have agreed to participate in its co-governance. The relationship of the iwi with the river lies at the heart of their spiritual and physical well-being and their identity. To Waikato-Tainui the river is a tupuna that has mana.
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations): I too want to begin my contribution on the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Claims (Waikato River) Settlement Bill by paying my respects to Lady Raihā Māhuta. She was a dedicated and dignified negotiator for Waikato-Tainui. She earned the respect of all those who negotiated with her. Throughout, as Mr Horomia said, she was ably assisted by Tuku Morgan, and I acknowledge his great work. My last meeting with Lady Māhuta occurred a few days before her death. She was desperately ill but made every endeavour to get to that meeting. The Prime Minister was also there. She wanted to attend that meeting because she wanted to discuss the time frame for progressing this bill through its final stages, because of its importance to her and to her iwi.
