Maori Affairs Minister congratulates iwi on agreement

Agreements between eight iwi of the Cook Strait area and the Crown over Treaty settlements are a great achievement for everyone involved, says Maori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples.

“The ability to reach a settlement is a huge step forward for any iwi, because it demonstrates a high level of organisation and determination,” said Dr Sharples. Today Ngati Toa Rangatira; Tainui Taranaki ki te Tonga comprising Te Atiawa ki te Tauihi, Ngati Tama ki te Tauihu, Ngati Rarua and Ngati Koata; and also Kurahaupo ki Te Waipounamu comprising Rangitane o Wairau, Ngati Kuia and Ngati Apa ki te Ra To, sign letters of agreement with the Crown.

“Perhaps only those who have been through the process understand fully what’s involved, from gathering the people together, researching the history, identifying the issues and preparing claims, appointing negotiators and securing a mandate, dealing with neighbours and sorting through overlapping interests, perhaps presenting claims to the Waitangi Tribunal, and all the while working with teams of Crown officials and lawyers in detailed negotiations.

“I want to pay special tribute to the eight iwi who are signing today, because of their particular circumstances. The number of iwi, the turbulent history of this area, and the extent of overlapping interests among themselves and with their neighbours, have made these negotiations especially complex.

“I am certain they have succeeded only through high levels of mutual respect, and enormous goodwill and generosity. The fact that all eight iwi are here today is testament to the rangatiratanga they have shown throughout the process.

“There will be great interest in this settlement among all the peoples of Te Tauihu o te Waka a Maui, and Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui. This settlement will help unleash the social, cultural and economic potential of the iwi as key players and major contributors to their regions and communities, across the north of the South Island, and the south of the North Island.

“There is so much to be gained if district and regional councils now engage with the iwi, along with central government agencies and private partners, to maintain the forward momentum.

“I also want to pay tribute to the Crown’s negotiators and officials, and to my Ministerial colleagues and their predecessors, who have all contributed to this outcome.

“The Maori Party has criticised the Treaty negotiations process in the past, and I know many people could see room for improvement, but that in no way detracts from the achievements that we are witnessing today.

Heoi ano, ka nui nga mihi ki a koutou katoa, na koutou nga mahi i oti, ma koutou, ma tatou, ma nga uri whakaheke. Kia ora.