Wilson Margaret: Ngati Ruanui Claims Settlement Bill — Second Reading 
Wilson Margaret: Ngati Ruanui Claims Settlement Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:607;Page:4738] 
Hon MARGARET WILSON (Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) 
: 
 I move  
That the Ngati Ruanui Claims Settlement Bill be now read a second time 
. Ngati Ruanui is one of the eight generally recognised iwi of Taranaki. Its historical treaty claims cover some of the southern part of the Taranaki region and relate mostly to the Crown’s waging of war in Taranaki in the 1860s and to the loss of property through the confiscation of land under the New Zealand Settlements Act of 1863. The claims also relate to the treatment of prisoners during the wars to the Crown’s unconscionable actions in its dealing with the Parihaka community and to the inadequacy of the West Coast commissions. This settlement addresses the longstanding and significant grievances suffered by Ngati Ruanui Tangahoe and Pakakohi. The widespread loss of Ngati Ruanui land has hindered its development throughout the past 160 years. 
This settlement enables the Crown to apologise for its atrocious behaviours towards Ngati Ruanui especially in relation to the people in that area. Ngati Ruanui suffered a heavy punishment due to a decision of the Government of the day to make an example of it in order to deter other Maori from taking up arms against the Queen’s authority. The Crown has acknowledged that its actions had a prejudicial impact on those of Ngati Ruanui. In particular that impeded the ability of Ngati Ruanui to exercise control over its taonga and its wahi tapu and to maintain and foster spiritual connections to its ancestral lands. The Crown apologises unreservedly for its actions which breached the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles. As well as an apology this settlement provides for financial redress of $41 million which includes the transfer of six commercial properties and a variety of cultural redress that aims to recognise and protect the interests of Ngati Ruanui in sites that are particularly significant to them and to enhance their relationship with the Crown. 
This bill makes it clear that this is a comprehensive and final settlement of all the historical claims of Ngati Ruanui. This settlement is an important milestone for Ngati Ruanui and the Crown. It will enable us to move forward and renew our relationship as treaty partners. I know that members of Ngati Ruanui would like this settlement to be finalised as soon as possible to enable them to begin their development plans and to look to the future. This settlement is also significant because it is the first in the Taranaki region. I hope that this settlement will encourage other claimants to enter into and complete negotiations with the Crown. 
The Maori Affairs Committee has considered this bill and submitted its commentary on the bill to the House. The committee has recommended that the bill be passed with certain proposed amendments and I thank it for its timely and thorough consideration of the bill. The committee made some observations concerning objections to the bill in relation to some individuals within Ngati Ruanui and in particular with regard to some members of Tangahoe and Pakakohi who have opposed parts of the settlement throughout. That opposition led to mediation several judicial conferences and proceedings before the Waitangi Tribunal and the High Court. On the whole those inquiries found in favour of the settlement proceeding. I am glad to note that the majority of the select committee was satisfied that the issue of whether Pakakohi and Tangahoe be included in this settlement has been well and truly traversed and agreed that the settlement should proceed. 
I note that the Green Party member on the committee holds a different view and objects to the inclusion of Pakakohi and Tangahoe in this settlement and I respect that position. I would like to point out to the member however that of the 16 Ngati Ruanui hapu Tangahoe members affiliate mainly to five hapu and Pakakohi members affiliate mainly to six hapu. Also the Waitangi Tribunal stated in 2001 that although each group traditionally had distinct identities it is now very difficult to tell the people apart. Also the settlement recognises that unique relationship and identity. All members of Ngati Ruanui Tangahoe and Pakakohi will be able to benefit from the settlement wherever they may now live. 
I note that the committee has made a few minor amendments to the bill generally to reflect the recently approved survey plans for the cultural redress properties that are to be transferred. As is noted in the committee’s commentary on the bill further amendments are to be made to the bill reflecting among other things the change under Land 
online 
 from a certificate of title to a computer register. Those have been provided for in Supplementary Order Paper 72 which has been tabled in the House. 
It was in April 1998 that the previous Government recognised the mandate of Ngati Ruanui negotiators. A deed of settlement was then finalised and signed in May 2001. This settlement has been achieved in a timely manner and it is important that we now finalise it to enable Ngati Ruanui to receive the redress. I acknowledge the work done by the former Minister and the Associate Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations who contributed to this settlement. 
I also want to thank the other Ministers involved and in particular the Minister of Finance the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Maori Affairs who have supported the process throughout. I acknowledge the support and assistance of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for treaty negotiations. I wish to thank the officials from the Office of Treaty Settlements and other Government departments for their work in seeking a just and fair settlement. 
Finally I would like to acknowledge and thank the individual kaumatua members and negotiators of Ngati Ruanui whose commitment on behalf of their people their ancestors and their descendants has led to this pathway to reconciliation. I commend this bill to the House.