Hon TAU HENARE (National) to the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations: What recent progress has the Government made towards its goal of settling historical Treaty of Waitangi claims by 2014?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations): Last Friday the Crown signed terms of negotiation with Ngāi Te Rangi, one of whose negotiators is our parliamentary colleague the Hon Mita Ririnui. This milestone is important as it means that all three Tauranga Moana iwi have now entered Treaty settlement negotiations. Since the start of last year the Crown has reached over 30 significant settlement milestones, including 14 agreements in principle and six deeds of settlement.
Hon Tau Henare: What other initiatives does the Government have under way to support its goal of settling historical Treaty of Waitangi claims by 2014?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: The Government recently announced the date for the 2010 Te Kōkiri Ngātahi Treaty settlement hui, where the Crown and iwi will continue to discuss ways of improving the path to settlement. These hui were initiated last year so the Government could meet iwi to discuss ways of improving negotiations. It was the first time in over 9 years that the Government had engaged with iwi on Treaty settlements, and it is illustrative of this Government’s commitment to achieving just and durable settlements.
