Brownlee Gerry: Ngati Tuwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Claims Settlement Bill — Instruction to Committee In Committee 
Brownlee Gerry: Ngati Tuwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Claims Settlement Bill — Instruction to Committee In Committee 
[Volume:625;Page:20211] 
GERRY BROWNLEE (Deputy Leader—National) 
: 
 This of course is the part of the bill and these are the clauses of the bill that give effect and weight to the previous part which was discussed just a few minutes ago. It is the part that makes it absolutely clear that Parliament considers this to be a full and final settlement and that Ngati Tuwharetoa Bay of Plenty also accept that this is a full and final settlement. 
But I want the Minister to tell the Committee how many members of the Ngati Tuwharetoa Bay of Plenty iwi who are eligible to vote for the acceptance of this bill or of the deed of settlement did so. We are very concerned that only a small number of this iwi—well less than half of those eligible—have voted in favour of this settlement. I know that the Government will have an answer for us and I would like to hear it. It is important when we reach the final stages of these settlements that those who are being settled accept the deal in overwhelming numbers. We have to remember that much of the historical research etc. that was carried out to reach this point of the claim being settled originated in the oral history of Ngati Tuwharetoa Bay of Plenty. Certainly the documented evidence that was available was considered. But in a society that values its oral history I think it is very very important that a large number of eligible people participate in the first place and ultimately ratify any settlement. Low numbers participating leaves the option open for successive generations to say: “Look Parliament settled that on us but a large number of us weren’t too keen on it. A large number of us never expressed a view on whether this was full and final settlement.” So I would like the Minister to give us the numbers and convince us that enough voted. I see the United Future member holding up a piece of paper and waving it around. It is of no significance whatsoever. The member I think yelled out before that 55 percent of those who voted voted in favour of the settlement. But how many did not vote? I am happy to be convinced; if the Minister has compelling evidence that would suffice. 
In accepting this part I do think it is worth saying that the generosity of Ngati Tuwharetoa Bay of Plenty should be recognised. Once we go past the point of saying that there is something to settle the questions then become: “What is the cost? What has to be done to redress the grievance that is deeply felt?”. The reality is that in 2005 terms measured against 1840 and subsequently it is impossible to compensate adequately or appropriately for loss. Members should remember that these are land losses. In most cases these are rights losses. They are quantifiable. So we reach a figure that is large enough to allow the iwi to maintain their mana to hold up their heads and to move forward. 
So we simply say to Ngati Tuwharetoa that this is a significant acceptance on their part. It is an opportunity not only for their part of the world but also for the whole country to take one more step towards the end of grievance and towards all New Zealanders focusing on a better future.