PAUL QUINN (National) to the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations: What progress is the Government making towards its goal of settling historical Treaty of Waitangi claims?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) : Today the House will vote on the third reading of the Port Nicholson Block (Taranaki Whānui ke Te Upoko o Te Ika) Claims Settlement Bill, which will settle the claims of those iwi whose rights were breached in the sale and the management of the Port Nicholson Block. The settlement provides for cultural and commercial redress, including a financial package of around $25 million. It will vest a number of culturally significant sites in Taranaki Whānui. However, it is worth noting that no public access will be affected by the settlement, which satisfies all historical claims by the iwi involved. This is a significant step towards the Government’s goal of settling all historical Treaty claims in a just and durable manner.
Paul Quinn: Why is the enactment of this bill significant?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: Once the bill has been passed the Prime Minister will deliver the Crown’s apology to Taranaki Whānui representatives, and then they will formally forgive the Crown in accordance with the deed of settlement. This is an unprecedented step for an iwi to take. It marks the desire on the part of the trust to ensure that there is closure between the Crown and Taranaki Whānui, and, hopefully, it will mark the beginning of a new relationship between iwi and the Crown. This is very welcome, and it shows how successfully Māori and the Crown have succeeded in working together to address the wrongs of the past for the good of all New Zealanders.
Paul Quinn: What benefits will the Taranaki Whānui settlement bring for the Wellington region?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: One of the features of this settlement is the extent of engagement between iwi, local government, and central government. This will result in better conservation outcomes, and management of a number of natural resources and specific sites in the region, although, as I said in my answer to the primary question, it is important to emphasise continued public access being protected for all New Zealanders. The Government is committed to helping local government and iwi work together to promote the best possible management of natural resources in a way that ensures all New Zealanders can continue to enjoy them in a sustainable way.
