Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill — Third Reading 
Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:674;Page:19990] 
Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill 
Third Reading 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) 
: 
 I move  
That the Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill be now read a third time 
. As the introduction to the commentary to the bill says this is an on-account settlement bill. It is intended to give effect to certain provisions of the deed of on-account settlement relating to the transfer of assets in an on-account settlement of the historic claims of Whanganui iwi. The river and the land claims are yet to be negotiated although I am hopeful that we will do that very soon because Whanganui iwi have been waiting for a just and durable settlement of their grievances—particularly in relation to the river—for many years. It is interesting to look at the history of the river claim. It began in about 1887. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of their case to the Court of Appeal. They desperately deserve a good settlement. 
This bill frankly should have been passed some months ago. Unfortunately the Committee of the whole House stage was evidenced by a very disappointing filibuster from Labour which was probably out of spite for Mrs Turia’s courageous and principled stand on the hated Foreshore and Seabed Act. After this debate I intend to copy the records of  
Hansard 
 of the Committee stage and send it to Whanganui iwi. They will see just how pointless and empty the Labour contribution to the debate during the Committee stage was. In 9 years Labour managed very few settlements indeed and all it could do with this on-account bill was filibuster. 
It is interesting that Mr Grant Robertson is in the House because I know he thinks he is the very apotheosis as it were of the art of filibustering because of his little Royal Society bill. The filibustering over that bill is nothing compared with what those members did with this bill. I am very disappointed in Mr Horomia because he and I always take a bipartisan approach to these negotiations. He is basically a good bloke but I have to say that the Labour contribution during the Committee stage was pitiful. The bill is very short. As I said it is an on-account bill. We really must move on so I commend the bill to the House. 
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA (Labour—Ikaroa-Rawhiti) 
: 
 Tena koe Mr Assistant Speaker Robertson. Greetings. I rise to speak on the Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill. I would like to recognise the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations for delaying this bill but I am certainly encouraged that we have got here tonight and that he is showing a bit of fettle and is going to cut through to the end. I recall that in the 9 years Labour was in Government we set up 11 settlements that were very close—they just needed a nod and a pat and they would have been finished. The Minister has hardly done any of it. 
In relation to this bill we are getting to the end and certainly in a bipartisan nature we know how to stick to partnerships and not jump ship like some of the people around here. We certainly are encouraged by those people in the Whanganui area. It really is important to recognise those people the Southern Whanganui Cluster and Tupoho and also the effort that Ngati Apa put in. The Minister has gone; I will talk although he is gone. 
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson) 
: It is not in keeping to mention that someone has left the House. We all have to at some stage or other. I refer the member to Speaker’s ruling 24/8. 
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA 
: Thank you very much for correcting me Mr Assistant Speaker. The Labour Party is supporting this legislation. It resulted from work begun by the previous Labour Government. I will stretch it out a bit because a fair bit of this settlement is on behalf and it is pre the agreement between the parties. It is quite a new situation. If this Minister got his act into gear he could do a whole lot more. 
The bill gives effect to the deed of an on-account settlement that was signed by the Southern Whanganui Cluster / Tupoho working party on behalf of Whanganui iwi. There were tensions and I say again that Ngati Apa needs to be recognised for the efforts they put in to allow and to help this to come to a decent end. These are allocations in advance and there is some peculiarity about allocating the forest because this forest standing alone is held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. That is surprising. One finds these things out and they are dug out as the settlement goes along. Certainly the handing over of the ownership of that to the iwi is a wonderful advance. This half-ownership of the land under the Kaitoke Prison is given to the cluster here and the other half is with Ngati Apa. I suppose again that Ngati Apa’s efforts in relation to helping this bill get to where it is today is something that has been recognised. 
One of the bigger issues in relation to this settlement—and it has some dynamic relevance to some of the behaviour of people who want to become members of this House—is in relation to putting the “h” in “Whanganui” and the unnecessary debates that went on through some factions that really thought to create tensions between the peoples Maori and non-Maori by saying that this was a bastardisation of the language. It was terrible. One person on the radio—one person who went and rolled somebody to become the leader of a party even though he was not a member—seems to be revisiting the nasty notions of scratching that racist itch. It is a wonderful thing it is a wonderful achievement that the Crown and these people have come to agreement in relation to putting the “h” into the spelling of “Whanganui” and that the majority of people accept it. It may incite some redneckness here and there which is something that we can really do without. 
This is a very historic settlement. Apart from the land being settled with those iwi this language bit in here and the recognition of one culture in this country is a real advance for us. Supporting the “h” in “Whanganui” is a real advance for this country. I was surprised when looking at a map of Whanganui today which had all these great names. Some of the areas in Whanganui are Springvale Wembley Park Castlecliff Durie Hill Windsor Park and Polson Park. This ain’t London; this is Whanganui. The great thing is that somebody saw fit in 1860 or 1870 to transfer these great names from where the kings’ and queens’ horses run around in a park. I have actually been to Windsor Park. 
Grant Robertson 
: Have you? 
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA 
: Yes I have been there. I have been to Wembley Park too. I have been to Tolaga Park too. But the point is this: Maori have had to put up with the renaming of a lot of their traditional areas and they have accepted it. They have taken the kids down and picnicked at Wembley Park at Castlecliff at Windsor Park and at Springvale—all of these great British-named places. I see the great Dr Hutchison over there smiling because he knows this is the truth. All I want is credence given to the Whanganui Maori and recognition that through long and at times hardy tribulations they have seen fit to respect the visitors to this country and recognise their names on a whole lot of areas there. 
So historically today we will support putting the “h” into Whanganui and we would recognise that one does not play soccer at Wembley Park and one does not have kings’ and queens’ horses riding around Windsor Park. And what was that other place? 
Hon Mita Ririnui 
: Pakaitore. 
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA 
: Pakaitore—that is right. 
Hon Mita Ririnui 
: That’s a nice English name. 
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA 
: No it is a great Maori name Pakaitore. Pakaitore—that is right: Pakaitore Windsor Park. Pakaitore sounds better—Pakaitore—because it is of the people it is of the land and it is of their language. That is the issue relevant to putting the “h” into Whanganui. Do not listen to any of this claptrap about saying it is a waste of time and that it should not be done. I want to really recognise this bill and I want to really recognise this legislation because it is taking us well forward—well forward. 
You see the Minister was so belittling of my colleague Grant Robertson as to chastise him for trying to create the differentiation between—what is that bill? 
Grant Robertson 
: Royal Society. 
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA 
: The Royal Society of New Zealand Amendment Bill—that is right. These names smack of our English partners; it smacks of royalty. They are great British names and they are better suited around the city of London or up the top end of the city where Windsor Park is but we can live with that along with Whanganui. I commend this bill to the House and I look forward to Whanganui being painted alongside Windsor Park Wembley Park Springvale and Castlecliff—and the name Pakaitore may stand for ever. 
Hon TAU HENARE (National) 
: 
 Kia ora Mr Assistant Speaker Robertson. It is lovely to see you again. I too will say a couple of words in support of the passage of the Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill. I congratulate the people at home in Whanganui the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and the Minister’s staff in the Office of Treaty Settlements on a job well done. I also thank the members of the Maori Affairs Committee who did a sterling job when we visited Whanganui and heard from the local people. Although there were a few raruraru I think we will always get that. 
I too use this brief moment in time to comment on the select committee’s recommendation that the word “Wanganui” be changed to “Whanganui” wherever it occurs in the bill—from clause 1 the title of the bill. I will read from the select committee’s commentary on the bill. “We heard from the Southern Whanganui Cluster Working Party that they strongly feel that the spelling of Whanganui should be with an ‘h’. On 18 December 2009 the Minister of Land Information announced his decision to assign the alternative official geographic names ‘Whanganui’ and ‘Wanganui’ and stated his expectation that Crown agencies would adopt the ‘Whanganui’ form over time. We also strongly feel that Whanganui should be spelt with an ‘h’. Accordingly we recommend amending the spelling of ‘Wanganui (Kaitoke) Prison’ and ‘Northern Part of Wanganui Forest’ to ‘Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison’ and ‘Northern Part of Whanganui Forest’ throughout the bill with the exception of the reference in clause 4 to the Corrections (Wanganui (Kaitoke) Prison) Notice 2008 but including clause 1 the title clause.” 
It is easy to sidetrack ourselves from the main part of the bill which is a Treaty settlement but the recommendation is really interesting and I commend the select committee for it. I also commend the Government and the House for accepting the recommendation of the select committee. I commend this bill to the House. 
Hon MITA RIRINUI (Labour) 
: 
Tena koe. Otira kia ora tatau i roto i te Whare. Ahakoa kua oti ra te Wiki o te Reo Maori i tera atu wiki e tika tonu ana kia korerohia to tatau reo tuatahi o te motu i nga wa katoa. Hoi ano ra kai te Kaihautu tena koe tena tatau katoa. Ae tautoko ana i tera korero. 
[ 
Thank you. Greetings indeed to everyone in the House. Even though Maori Language Week finished last week it is very apt that our first language of this country is spoken at all times. So salutations to you Mr Assistant Speaker Robertson and to all of us. Yes I support that sentiment. 
] 
It is obvious that the Labour Opposition will be supporting the Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill and for obvious reasons. Those reasons are that the real work the really difficult work that is required to bring a proposal like this to the table with all its tentacles intact is the testing part for any Government. I was a little bemused shall I say by the contribution of the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations to the bill in that he spent something like 80 percent of his time attacking the Labour Opposition in terms of our performance when we were in Government. 
Charles Chauvel 
: 90 percent. 
Hon MITA RIRINUI 
: I stand to be corrected—it was 90 percent of his contribution and it took only 3 minutes. I think it is very important that at times like these when these difficult settlement bills come to the House we acknowledge in full the part that all parties play in this level of success. 
I was disappointed—I did say I was bemused but I was disappointed—with his contribution. You see to get a proposal like this to the table requires a hands-on approach from the Minister. It does not require continual interaction by officials to the point of nausea or to the point where the claimant community becomes absolutely fed up. We learnt that in our time in Government and that is why under the previous Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations the then Attorney General the Hon Dr Michael Cullen a hands-on approach was required. I think that everyone in this House would agree that once that approach had been taken Treaty settlements actually accelerated. I have yet to see a settlement bill from this Government introduced to this House that it actually started from the beginning—in other words where it has actually walked amongst the claimant communities in order to get a buy-in to its policy. 
Hon Parekura Horomia 
: Paul Quinn’s got through. 
Hon MITA RIRINUI 
: I have not seen that happen yet and I am sure the member across the House Paul Quinn of Ngati Awa descent is familiar with what I am talking about and what it takes to make settlements a success. It is really necessary also to acknowledge the huge contribution that the negotiating team of Ngati Apa played in the success of this particular bill. I have praised them in this House on many occasions. They were a young team they understood the importance of collaboration when it comes to settling Treaty grievances and they understood the need for collaboration when it came to post-settlement arrangements. 
There are some people in this House who would think that the biggest problem that W’anganui had was the “h” in Whanganui. Well I do not agree with that at all but that is an issue that is important to them locally. If that was going to be the silver bullet for the ails of Maoridom I would put an “h” in Tauranga but we know it would not fit. The former chair of the Maori Affairs Committee laboured on that point for quite some time—that is that essentially the major contribution from the Government representatives on the Maori Affairs Committee in relation to this important bill was where the “h” in Whanganui actually fitted. Well whether or not one puts an “h” in it I pronounce it the same way: W’anganui “h” or no “h”. The problem is not my pronunciation; it is actually the English language and the way it spells the word “Wanganui”. But we have all learnt to live with that as my colleague the Hon Parekura Horomia echoed in this Chamber this evening and it is time to move on. 
I think everything we need to say about this bill has been said over and over and over again and it is now time for us to congratulate all of the parties involved and also the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations. Although he has yet to prove himself to be able to be engaged upfront with the claimant communities it still needs to be acknowledged that this is a major achievement for his portfolio. I am sure that in the future he will have many more challenges to confront as he deals with negotiation groups particularly from the Bay of Plenty. 
I have no more to say in relation to this bill. It has been a long long journey for the W’anganui cluster and I am sure that along with many of us in the House they are actually quite pleased that it is over. I notice that this bill was introduced to the House in September 2009. It is now July 2011 so we have to ask why on earth it took so long if it is such a simple bill. It cannot be blamed on filibustering at the Committee stage because all the Labour Opposition was attempting to have clarified was whether the Government actually understood what was involved in the bill itself. This is an on-account settlement and we all needed to be clear about what that meant. It was important that at the Committee stage—and this is what the Committee stage is for—we asked all those questions. If the Government or the Minister in the chair cannot answer those same questions then we will continue to ask them until there is total clarification about what in this case “on-account” means for this legislation. 
So as I said earlier on the Labour Opposition is very proud to support this bill simply because all the hard work out there in the communities where the rubber hits the road was undertaken by the previous Labour Government. Kia ora tatau. Kua oti ra. 
[ 
Greetings to us. It is done. 
] 
KEVIN HAGUE (Green) 
: 
 Tena koe Mr Assistant Speaker Robertson. Nga mihi nui ki a koe. The Green Party has supported this Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill at every stage until this time and we will continue to do so tonight. 
I will make a brief contribution to record the basis for our support because in recent days and weeks an unsavoury element has been creeping into New Zealand politics. It is an element that we reject. The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand stands on our charter and our charter sets out four principles: ecological wisdom social responsibility non-violence and appropriate decision-making. It also stands on a preamble and that preamble commits us to honouring the Treaty of Waitangi. For the sake of clarity it is specific about our intent to honour the Maori wording of Te Tiriti o Waitangi—in other words the original Treaty that was signed at Waitangi. That Treaty in our view provides us with the licence for Pakeha people to live in this country. So for our nation to move forward we believe that it is important that we go back to that Treaty and that we do our utmost to honour its provisions. 
This bill is about attempting to be honourable about the breach—the disenfranchisement of a people—of that Treaty. For that reason we support the bill and will continue to vote for it including at this reading. That is all I have to say. 
TE URUROA FLAVELL (Maori Party—Waiariki) 
: 
 Tena koe ano hoki Mr Assistant Speaker Robertson i tenei po. Ka nui te harikoa ko koe ano ra e noho nei i te torona tapu o te Whare Paremata i tenei po e whakarongo nei ki nga korero. He mea whakatinana tenei i te whakatau i hainatia mai ai e te Karauna raua ko te Kotahitanga o nga Iwi i te Tonga ara ki te Ropu Whakahaere o Tupoho i te 31 te marama o Hurae i te tau 2009. He aha te marama o Hurae Te Taura Whiri nei? Pipiri pea?  
Ki taku mohio kua puta tenei i muri mai i nga korero i waenganui i a Ngati Apa me te Ropu Whaiti. I whakatau i nga awangawanga o nga iwi o Whanganui me tona panga ki te whakataunga o Ngati Apa. Kaore matau o te Pati Maori i te whakaae kia noho me ki hei kaitakawaenga mo nga iwi. Me waiho nga iwi ki te tohe mo o ratau ake take. No reira ka pera ano hoki mo tenei o nga pire. Hoi ano ko taku e mohio nei i tipu ake tenei ropu mahi nei kia whai wahi nga hapu o Whanganui i te Tonga ki te takiwa o Tupoho i te rohe o Whanganui ki te korero ki a Ngati Apa kia taea ai e ratau te whakatau i nga take whenua ki waenganui i a raua ano. No reira he panga ano ra to te pire nei ki te whakataunga o Ngati Apa te Ngati Apa (North Island) Claims Settlement Act i whakaturehia i te 15 o Hakihea i te tau 2010 a ka whakamanahia hei te 3 o nga ra o Hui-tanguru i tenei tau tonu nei 2011. 
Ko taku ano hoki ko te mihi ki a Nga Wairiki ki a Ngati Apa mo ta ratau kaha me te maia ki te whakatau i nga raruraru i waenganui i a ratau me ki kia puta nga rawa ki a ratau tonu kia taea ai te anga whakamua o nga korero. 
[ 
Thank you again this evening Mr Assistant Speaker Robertson. I am really pleased that you are there once more on the hallowed throne of the House of Parliament listening to the speeches. The Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill is a manifestation of the deed of settlement signed between the Crown and the Southern Whanganui Cluster - Tupoho working party on 31 July 2009. Now what is the month of July to the Maori Language Commission? Pipiri perhaps? 
I understand this bill is a result of talks between the Crown and the working party to address concerns that the Whanganui iwi had with aspects of the Ngati Apa settlement. We of the Maori Party oppose an expectation to play a mediatory role for tribes. Issues among tribes should be left amongst themselves to resolve and that must apply to this bill as well. I understand that this working-group came about so that southern Whanganui subtribes of the Tupoho district could participate in talks with Ngati Apa to resolve issues relating to land that they both have an interest in. This bill has interests in the Ngati Apa settlement namely the Ngati Apa (North Island) Claims Settlement Act which was enacted on 15 December 2010 with a 3 February 2011 settlement date. 
I want to take this opportunity as well to acknowledge Nga Wairiki / Ngati Apa on their efforts and perseverance in resolving problems among themselves let us say to ensure that resources go out among themselves and that the talks progress. 
I leave that brief contribution in the Maori language there and turn now to English. 
] 
The Whanganui Iwi (Wanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Wanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill we are debating at this point in time gives effect to the Whanganui iwi deed of on-account settlement signed between the Crown and the Southern Whanganui Cluster / Tupoho working party on 31 July 2009. As I said that was as the result of talks between Ngati Apa and the working party in order to address concerns that the Whanganui iwi had with aspects of the Ngati Apa settlement. I expressed the view that it is not for the Maori Party to get involved in iwi politics which unfortunately is one of those things that come with settlements. We do not sit too much in the middle and judge those things but we certainly provide an opportunity for iwi to have a say. I understood that the working party arose from a need to have a group to represent the interests of Whanganui hapu in the southern or Tupoho region of the Whanganui district and to talk directly with Ngati Apa to work through any overlapping interests that Whanganui iwi had with the Ngati Apa settlement. Of course the transfer of those properties is pretty closely linked to the provisions of the Ngati Apa Claims Settlement Act which as I said was enacted on 15 December 2010 with the settlement date being 3 February this year. 
I acknowledge the iwi who were involved and the discussion that must have taken place in order to try to find the same way forward and to address the issues of overlapping claims. That would no doubt have required a spirit of cooperation and communication as the groups worked together to try to find a way through some of the issues they faced. The on-account settlement bill provides the working party with the right of deferred selection over a half-share in the land under the Whanganui Prison and the northern half of the Whanganui Forest not offered to Ngati Apa. The working party’s right of deferred selections over these properties is subject to Ngati Apa first exercising their right of deferred selection over the forest under the prison and the southern half of the Whanganui Forest. Should Ngati Apa or the working party decide not to acquire those assets they will remain in Crown ownership and may be the subject of discussions in negotiating a comprehensive settlement of the Whanganui iwi historical Treaty claims. Either way Whanganui iwi interests in these sites will be protected. 
I believe that Ngati Apa have until early August to take the initial decision on whether to acquire the properties. The on-account settlement is on behalf of and to benefit all Whanganui iwi in relation to the Whanganui iwi historical claims. The value of the assets transferred on this on-account settlement will be taken into account when the Crown makes an offer of redress for the final settlement of the Whanganui iwi historical claims. So those claims and any claims relating to the Whanganui River are not settled by this on-account settlement. Of course when we think about Whanganui we think about Archie Taiaroa—who has since passed on; gee it must be close to a year now or maybe a little bit longer than that—as I suppose the face or the mouthpiece of Whanganui as they talked about and continue to move in respect of settling the Whanganui iwi claim. 
I suppose the second on-account settlement is offered to Whanganui iwi. It relates to the transfer of the Whanganui courthouse with a lease back to the Crown agreed in 2004. This asset was transferred to the Pakaitore Trust and of course mention has been made of that trust. It is a whenua topu trust established under the Maori Land Act of which Mr Ken Mair is one of the mandated negotiators. He will be taking on Michael Laws in the fight of the century at the end of the year so I am looking forward to that. 
The Pakaitore Trust is the proposed holding entity to receive the current on-account redress assets. Transferring these assets to the Pakaitore Trust will mean that all assets acquired by Whanganui iwi through on-account settlement will be held by that same entity. The Crown and the working party considered this to be a pretty pragmatic approach under the circumstances. 
That is a bit of a description about a little bit of the history that brought this bill about. It has been a long time coming but compromise and working together on both sides of the ledger if you like in respect of these iwi and a good outcome mean that everyone will benefit. 
Ko taku noa ake ko te mihi ki a ratau i whai nei i tenei o nga kaupapa kia eke ki tenei o nga taumata. Kua tutuki kua tutuki kua tutuki pai. Waiho tera hei mea whakamana ma tenei o nga Whare Paremata. Kia ora tatau katoa. 
[ 
I simply want to acknowledge those who pursued this matter to this level. It has been realised; it has made it; it has been completed well. Leave the bill now for this House of Parliament to enact. Congratulations to us all. 
] 
PAUL QUINN (National) 
: 
 Tena koe Mr Assistant Speaker Robertson. Tena koutou e te Whare. Being one who has always been conscious of my limitations and being advised to focus on my strengths I do not want in my contribution to this debate to comment on the spelling of “Whanganui” or “Wanganui” because I take my guidance from my relation across the other side and defer to him on matters of tikanga. I thought that I would focus instead in my small contribution to this debate on explaining firstly what is happening with this bill the Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill. What is actually happening is that having settled the Ngati Apa claim just one of many claims that this Government has settled in a very short period—I think it has been something like 16 or 17 claims in 3 years as opposed to how many in 9 years? 
Chris Tremain 
: 16. 
PAUL QUINN 
: Sixteen claims in 9 years. We have achieved in 3 years what the previous administration achieved in 9 long years. Having settled the Ngati Apa claim part of that settlement had half of the Wanganui Forest going to Ngati Apa. A cross-claimant to that forest was the Whanganui iwi group which had a claim to the bottom half of the forest and similarly with the Whanganui Prison land. Having if you will settled the rightful owners to those particular two assets the Government has taken a very pragmatic step. Because the Whanganui party agreed that in any settlement going forward it wanted those two assets this Government has got on with the job and given those assets on account as part of a future full and final settlement. That provides assets a capability and a resourcing to those claimants. 
A very big issue in the Treaty settlement process is claimants having resource and this is one way that this Government has been able to help claimants to negotiate in a position of strength by providing these resources to them as they move forward in settling their full claim. I think that is a great innovation by this Government and one that I am sure we will take forward in future settlements. With those few words I commend this bill to the House. Thank you. 
Hon NANAIA MAHUTA (Labour—Hauraki-Waikato) 
: 
 Tena koe. I too want to make a contribution to the third reading of the Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill. Unlike members who have spoken before me who have amply covered much of the detail of the bill I want to speak in a general nature about some of the learning points from the opportunities provided in this on-account settlement. To understand the full interests of Whanganui and the region we would have to look at the various component parts of their historical claims. It has been with some interest that I have seen the way in which Whanganui iwi have innovated in their approach to dealing with overlapping interests and the nature of their distinct boundaries within their larger collective group. So the fact that they have an on-account settlement that ensures that Ngati Apa interests in the south of Whanganui are provided for under this particular bill does not detract from any of the other subsequent interests of other component parts of Whanganui iwi within Whanganui. I think that is a good approach. We have had a number of settlements before the Maori Affairs Committee as I speak that seem with their own historical peculiarities unable to resolve some of the overlapping interests some of the overlapping claims and some of the contesting of their boundaries. So I think that there is good learning from this particular settlement. 
Can I say that the Treaty settlement redress that has been brought about through subsequent claims and certainly our understanding as parliamentarians as to how that is all made up has been supported by the innovation of iwi for dealing with their own complex issues. Again an on-account settlement is a creative and innovative approach to addressing overlapping interests while not impeding other component parts of an iwi’s claim. We have not seen this type of approach used too often but it should be a learning opportunity for other iwi who want to pick up the really difficult challenge of advancing their settlements. 
On some of the detail of the bill the fact that a half-share of the land of Kaitoke Prison will be offered back to Ngati Apa may present further opportunities for them. Obviously being a landowner of a prison and a manager of a prison are two different things but it certainly does present Ngati Apa with an opportunity on that front. But can I say that I am absolutely sure Ngati Apa do not want to see more prisons in their region. They probably want to realise any opportunity that gets their people out of prison and into productive parts of our society and contributing to our communities. I say that with a level of confidence because I am sure a lot of people from Whanganui would be happy to see the demise of prisons in their communities and the full utilisation of the skills and expertise of their people building their people wealth and their economic wealth. Only time will realise whether that is an empty statement or a real aspiration but it is an opportunity for Ngati Apa. 
Also the value of the Whanganui Forest in terms of Ngati Apa’s interests in planning for the future I think presents a real opportunity for Ngati Apa too. It will be an accelerant for them to reach their development aspirations. 
We spent some time in the Committee stage debating the issue of Whanganui and including the “h”. We took on board the recommendations of the Maori Affairs Committee. It does not really mean too much to me with our dialect up in Tainui because we have always always referred to Whanganui as Whanganui. Whether or not the “h” was recognised in the word we have always said Whanganui. The select committee has formalised the appropriate spelling of Whanganui and has amended it in this bill. 
The other part that I wanted to briefly comment on is an issue that was raised by Te Ururoa Flavell in terms of the other component parts of Whanganui interests especially with regard to their impending river claim. It seems to me that the opportunity once again for Whanganui to continue to advance some larger aspects of their historical claims will add another strong pillar to the ability of Whanganui to plan for the future to have a vested interest in the protection of their beautiful river and to contribute to long-term decision-making within their region. I say that with a level of insight because I have had the honour of being hosted down the Whanganui River and I know that it is one of special significance and sacred meaning and value to the people of Whanganui. 
I note with interest the contribution of the Green member who said that in this day and age we have moved well beyond some of the views that are starting to rear themselves out in the public domain about Maori getting too much. The resolution of historical injustice is an absolute necessity in order for our nation to move forward to plan forward and to ensure that Maori can contribute positively to the shape and identity of the nation that we all want to see which is the kind of nation where everybody is valued and where historical injustice has been resolved. Sometimes we can never take away the hurt of the past but working towards resolution redress and reconciliation is I think a positive way for our nation to go forward. 
All those pillars and elements of resolution are contained within this small bill and it is important to recognise that and to not underestimate the value of the transformation that can happen within settlements like this one. 
I thank the Maori Affairs Committee which considered these issues. As a current member on the select committee I am acutely aware of some of the limitations that we have when it comes to Treaty settlement bills and being unable to significantly comment on the substance of Treaty settlements—but neither would we want to. We do have to continually remind people who are making submissions on bills like this one that the select committee is limited in its capacity in terms of being able to make recommendations of substance that can be enacted by this Parliament. However if the Maori Affairs Committee is an avenue for casting an eye over some of the substantial matters dealt with in Treaty settlements looking to some of the technical aspects and ensuring that the intent of the deed marries up with the articulation of legislation I think that is a very valuable role for the select committee. I thank the clerks of the committee for their hard work the advisers to the committee the officials and last but certainly not least I recognise the negotiators—a young team—of this particular on-account settlement for their wisdom in trying to find a pragmatic solution that is also something that resolves some of their historical hurts and looks to the future. 
No reira Mr Assistant Speaker Robertson tenei e mihi atu ki a ratou no Ngati Apa i raro i nga whakaaro hei tutuki i tenei wahanga mo a ratou nei kereme. Tena koutou. 
[ 
So I acknowledge those of Ngati Apa Mr Assistant Speaker Robertson in the context of the thoughts expressed to complete this part of their claim. I salute them collectively. 
] 
SIMON BRIDGES (National—Tauranga) 
: 
 Nanaia Mahuta referred to some of the debates that were held at the Maori Affairs Committee on the Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill. Many wide-ranging debates were held on whether the “h” should be included in “Wanganui” and on many other such things. It reminds me of a quote from Winston Churchill I think it was who said that if people wanted a long speech from him he could start straight away but if they wanted a short speech he needed time to prepare. Many of the speeches as I say were long and exceptionally wide ranging. I will give a very very short speech simply to say that this bill gives effect to the deed of on-account settlement in which the Crown and Wanganui iwi agree to the transfer of assets on-account of the settlement of the Wanganui historical claims. I agree with my colleague Paul Quinn that really this bill is a continuation of the very proud record National is gaining in settling—and promptly settling—Treaty settlements in this country for the betterment of all New Zealanders Maori and Pakeha. 
KELVIN DAVIS (Labour) 
: 
 Tena koe Mr Assistant Speaker Robertson. Tu ake ana ahau hei whakaputa i oku ake nei whakaaro e pa ana ki tenei pire. Harikoa ana kua tae ki te wahanga mutunga kia ’hakatutuki pai ai nga moemoea o Ngati Apa o te iwi o Whanganui kia ’hakataungia tenei wahanga o te kereme kia haere tonu nga wahanga atu nga kereme matua. Na reira mihi kau ana ki a Ngati Apa ki a ratou katoa ma i whiriwhiri ai nga ahuatanga e pa ana ki tenei pire.  
Kua rongo ake nei ahau i te hoa a Paul Quinn meatia ana ia i ona ngoikoretanga ona kaha hoki na reira i te hiahia e ia kia korero mo ona kaha anake. Kua huri ia ki te korero mo tona tuakana a Mita Ririnui. Na reira e tautoko ana wena korero mo tona hiahia kia korero mo ana kaha ara mo tona whanaunga a Mita.  
Hanga pa pouri ana ahau kia rangona wetahi tautohetohe pakupaku noa iho e pa ana ki tenei nga pahupahu o te Minita. Nana nei i tu ake hei whakahe i te Ropu Reipa i te mea na nga mahi o toku hoa a Mita Ririrnui nana i whakaritea nga wahanga matua o tenei pire me te on-account 
settlement 
.  
Ko wenei wahanga te panuitanga kei roto i te Whare Miere te Whare Paremata hei whiriwhiri. Ko wenei wahanga te wahi mama noa iho te wahi ngawari. Engari na Mita i a te Minita tuarua nana nei i whakapau ona kaha hei ’hakatutuki pai nga wahanga tino pakeke. Na reira mihi kau ana ki a ia.  
Hiahia hoki ana ahau kia tuku korero tautoko mo tera o nga mema o te Ropu Kakariki nana nei i korero mo tetahi wahanga o Aotearoa e ahua kaikiri ana e kaikiri e whakahawea ana i nga tumanako o te iwi Maori. Kua ’hakaputa i runga i te pouaka whakaata i roto i nga purongo niupepa i te wiki kua pahuri ake nei nga korero ’hakahawea etahi ki a ngai Maori ma ki a ngai matou te iwi Maori. Me te korero ano hoki horekau e whai wahanga a Aotearoa wenei rangi i wena tumomo korero e pa ana ki a matou. Na reira kite ana matou i taua ropu e hanga wehewehe ana i naianei. Ko ia te kai o te mahi kaikiri.  
Na reira taku nei akiaki ra i a tatou katoa kei roto i tenei Whare Miere tenei Whare Paremata kia u tonu kia hapaitia i nga hiahia nga wawata o te iwi Maori. Mehemea ka tutuki pai ai o tatou wawata ka oti ke ka tau ke nga kereme katoa ka taea e tatou me tatou katoa o Aotearoa kia haere whakamua. Taku e whakapae ake nei e tu ana a Aotearoa ki runga i nga pokowhiwhi o ngai Maori me nga mahi tukino ki o matou tupuna i nga tau kua pahure ake nei. Na reira horekau ahau e hiahia ana kia kumea kia roa tenei tu i te mea kua roa aianei a Ngati Apa nga iwi o Whanganui e tatari ana mo tenei pire ’hakatutuki ai.  
[ 
Thank you Mr Assistant Speaker Robertson. I stand to express my personal views about this bill. I am pleased it has reached its final stage fulfilling the dreams of Ngati Apa and those of Whanganui settling this part of the claim and ensuring that other claims and primary claims can continue. I acknowledge Ngati Apa and all those who negotiated aspects relating to this bill. 
I note the references by fellow member Paul Quinn to his weaknesses and his strengths as well and his wanting to focus solely on his strengths. Consequently he has turned to comment on his elder kin Mita Ririnui. So I endorse those comments about his desire to talk about his strengths—namely his relative Mita. 
It saddens me somewhat to hear some very minor haggling relating to this bill in the prattle from the Minister. He got up and condemned the Labour Party because of the work by my colleague Mita Ririnui who arranged some of the main parts of the Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill. These parts were announced in the Chamber for the House’s consideration but they were just the easy and straightforward ones. It was Mita the former Associate Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations who worked hard on the more difficult parts to ensure that they were completed well. So I really acknowledge him.  
I also want to endorse the comments by the member of the Green Party who spoke about someone in New Zealand being somewhat racist towards the aspirations of Maori people. These racist comments of an offensive nature to Maori generally and to us the Maori people appeared on television and in newspapers just a week ago. The member went on to say there was absolutely no place in New Zealand for this sort of talk about us in these days. We perceive that group to be dividing us. That individual will become a victim of his own racism.  
I urge all of us in this Chamber in this House to remain committed to lifting up the wishes and aspirations of the Maori people. If our aspirations are achieved well all our claims will then be finalised and settled. As a consequence we and all of New Zealand will be able to move forward together. I praise the fact that New Zealand stands shoulder to shoulder with the Maori people to rectify the injustices our ancestors suffered in years past. I do not wish to prolong this address any more because Ngati Apa and the tribes of Whanganui have been waiting a while now for this bill to be settled. 
] 
Without wanting to drag this out I want to just go over a few things I said in Maori. First of all I acknowledge Paul Quinn who said that he recognises his weaknesses and his strengths and that he wanted to talk only about his strengths so he stood up and spoke about the Hon Mita Ririnui. We can acknowledge that Mita is Paul Quinn’s whanaunga and I am glad to see that Mr Quinn recognises Mita’s strengths and the work that Mita did on the groundwork around the Whanganui Iwi (Whanganui (Kaitoke) Prison and Northern Part of Whanganui Forest) On-account Settlement Bill. 
It is great that we have come to the stage of the third reading where this part of Ngati Apa’s and Whanganui’s settlements can be settled so that they can go on to settle the rest of their claims. Once all of these claims have been settled—and I am not just talking about Ngati Apa or Whanganui but all of the Treaty claims—we can move forward. I think it is important that the country recognises that we have to go through this. We have to settle these claims so that we can move forward. New Zealand is built basically by standing on the shoulders of Maori and on their sacrifices and on what was done to our ancestors over the last 150 years. There is no place in this House or in New Zealand for the sorts of divisive politics we have seen over the last few days. I agree with our colleague Kevin Hague from the Green Party when he mentioned this issue. As a country we cannot afford to engage in this petty divisiveness where we pit one sector of New Zealand against another because we then have factions on the extremes that basically feed off each other. They give each other oxygen to survive. We cannot have extremism in any field in New Zealand because there is no constructive use for it. We as New Zealanders need to come together to get these claims settled so that we can move forward as a nation. 
On that point again I would like to acknowledge the work of the likes of Mita Ririnui of the Minister—despite the fact that he spent 90 percent of his 3-minute speech criticising us—and of the Maori Affairs Committee of which I was privileged to be a member although I was demoted to the Education and Science Committee unfortunately. I would like to just acknowledge the work that everyone has done in getting this bill into the House and through the House. Hopefully we can go on to settle all of the other claims as I said so that New Zealand can move forward as a country—as two peoples I will say with one sense of purpose going forward. I will always say that I was born Maori first but I am still proud to be a New Zealander. With those final words Mr Assistant Speaker huri rauna i to tatou Whare tena koutou tena koutou kia ora mai ano tatou . 
[ 
To you Mr Assistant Speaker and members throughout our House greetings greetings and greetings once again to us. 
] 
Bill read a third time.