Hon Christopher Finlayson

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.

The river and its catchment play a significant strategic role for New Zealand as a source of energy. It is the location of a very significant primary industry and, of course, of recreational activities. There are very important values and relationships between the river, the people, and its communities, including public and private interests, and these need to be recognised.

It has always been important that the proposed arrangements be effective in achieving positive outcomes and in meeting the purpose of the deed. For that reason, the incoming Government initiated an independent review of the deed of the arrangements in the deed of settlement signed in August 2008 and, based on that review, renegotiated certain aspects of the settlement. This led to the signing of a new deed of settlement in December 2009. In saying that, I too acknowledge the work of the previous administration in negotiating the original deed. I particularly acknowledge the work of my predecessor, Dr Cullen, and the work of Messrs Horomia and Ririnui.

I acknowledge also the willingness of Waikato-Tainui to reopen negotiations. It was a significant step to take, in terms of reopening a deed of settlement, but I believe it has resulted in improvements that will bring about more streamlined arrangements and better outcomes for everyone. It is appropriate to acknowledge the work of the independent review panel, chaired by Mr Evan Williams of Auckland, and the willingness of the iwi along the Waikato River and the Waipā River to support the process. The Waikato Regional Council and other regional authorities have made a significant contribution to ensure we can achieve a sound, economically efficient model for the river. In that regard, the support and close interest shown by the Minister for the Environment has been very helpful indeed. This occasion cannot pass without also acknowledging the work of the Crown’s chief negotiator, Brian Roche, and his team.

Mrs Turia has outlined the features of the new arrangements, which have been incorporated in the bill. There are important policy objectives associated with the framework, and I do not need to dwell on them because she has already spoken to those.

This bill provides effective legal mechanisms for Waikato-Tainui to participate in the governance of the river, reflecting the significance of the river to Waikato-Tainui. The bill streamlines, improves, and coordinates governance and management arrangements for the river to support its strategic importance to New Zealand, and also for the restoration and protection of the health and well-being of the river. Most important, the bill provides clear direction and certainty about co-governance of the river.

Cornerstones for the new arrangements are that governance functions relating to the river will now be consolidated in a single entity to be known as the Waikato River Authority, and the vision and strategy will be the primary direction-setting document for the river. The contestable clean-up trust is a major investment by the Government and a significant environmental initiative. The far-sightedness of Waikato-Tainui in negotiating such a fund, which has long-term benefits for the river, is to be applauded.

This bill will settle a longstanding Treaty grievance and, at the same time, ensure that the ongoing Treaty relationship with Waikato-Tainui is based on sound arrangements with real outcomes. The vision of Sir Robert Māhuta, the determination of Lady Māhuta, and the patience and dedication of so many of the people of Waikato-Tainui have borne fruit, and the outcome is one from which the entire community will benefit.