Finlayson Christopher: Nga Wai o Maniapoto (Waipa River) Bill — Third Reading 
Finlayson Christopher: Nga Wai o Maniapoto (Waipa River) Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:678;Page:1482] 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) 
: 
 I too want to welcome members of Maniapoto to Parliament for this very significant occasion. When dealing with third readings of Treaty bills it can often be too easy to indulge in superlatives to describe what we have achieved from working together but I know that this is a joyful and a very noteworthy day for those involved in this negotiation.  
As I look up into the gallery I see the familiar faces of people without whose hard work and sacrifice we would not have been in this position today. I particularly want to acknowledge the leadership of Tiwha Bell throughout the course of these negotiations. He is a gentleman of course but a tough and determined negotiator for his iwi. I also acknowledge the Hon John Luxton Chair of the Waikato River Authority and thank him for the wonderful work that he and his team are already doing.  
One noteworthy feature of the bills we debate today is that they all involve rivers—the Rangitaiki the Waipa the Mohaka and the Waiapu rivers. There are slightly different co-governance mechanisms. They have been carefully constructed to reflect the needs and the realities of the particular river system. As Acting Minister for the Environment I want to acknowledge my friend and predecessor Nick Smith because without his keen intellect and his wonderful support I would not have been able to develop these forms of innovative redress.  
I say what follows with the greatest of respect and affection but I have to say that sometimes I get the feeling that the Greens think they have a monopoly on wisdom and virtue on the subject of rivers. But these developments show that both Labour and National Governments have recognised the need for our rivers to be restored and this Government is determined to see this happen. Indeed just last Friday I was on the outskirts of Taumarunui with members of the Whanganui iwi looking at that great river. Increasingly I am involved in looking at issues relating to the Kaituna and the Manawatu and I am learning all about SLUIs which of course Shane Jones would know are sustainable land use initiatives. 
Hon Shane Jones 
: Liquefaction liquefaction. 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON 
: No that is a slightly different topic. They are issues that are increasingly consuming my time as Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and in the Acting Minister for the Environment role.  
 But let us address the river of the moment the Waipa River because that river is at the heart of the community. A healthy Waipa River sustains abundant life from prosperous communities who in turn are responsible for restoring and protecting the health and well-being of the river and all it embraces for generations to come. A healthy Waipa River also benefits the Waikato River and the greater Waikato region. As Nanaia Mahuta said in her speech there simply cannot be a healthy Waikato River without a healthy Waipa River. Achieving this objective will not always be easy but this bill takes us a step further along the road to our shared goal: the restoration of the protection of the health and well-being of both rivers. I know that by working together with the authority and working under the leadership of John Luxton we can achieve this.  
But the vision goes further; it makes sure that our children can enjoy the river as we do today and that they will have the full fruits of what the river has to offer. This will be done with an integrated holistic and coordinated approach to the management of natural physical cultural and historic resources of both rivers. Through its co-governance and co-management arrangements this bill will allow for the restoration and protection of the relationship of Maniapoto with the Waipa River which as I said is part of one river system with the Waikato River. It will also cement the relationship of Waikato River iwi according to their tikanga and kawa with the Waikato River and the Waipa River. So we have an opportunity not only to improve but also to revitalise both these rivers and Maniapoto’s input is absolutely essential if we are going to make that successful.  
This bill will not only enhance significant sites but also protect fisheries flora and fauna. This bill recognises that the rivers are not just essential to the economic and environmental well-being of the region but they are of strategic benefit to New Zealand as a whole. The vision of the river will also see the restoration of water quality so that it is safe for people to swim in and take food from the river over its entire length. The vision also sets out how the river can be a hub for the community and with improved access to the Waikato River and Waipa River how it can be used and promoted for sporting recreational and cultural activities.  
All of this is possible if there is a strategy to match this vision. I know from working with Maniapoto that not only do we have this strategy but we have the team and we have the people who will work to implement it a team who are going to be dedicated to achieving the ultimate objective of creating a river that is there for future generations to use and enjoy. I acknowledge what Ms Mahuta said about the $10 million. As Acting Minister for the Environment I was sorely tempted to sweep in and see whether I could augment that fund but I think that would be abuse of my powers. 
 But she is absolutely right: we make a start we see how the clean-up goes and in the fullness of time it may have to be reviewed.  
By ensuring Maniapoto a position on the co-governance entity we are further establishing the relationship between the Crown and iwi working in good faith to enhance the environment and establishing a lasting organisation that can build the foundations for the future. The co-governance entity is made up of appointees from Maniapoto Waikato-Tainui Te Arawa Tuwharetoa Raukawa and the Crown and together we are going to work to ensure that our shared vision will once again make this most beautiful of rivers an economic and cultural hub of the community.  
In conclusion I acknowledge the enthusiasm the hard work and the leadership of the negotiators. They have provided the foundation that has allowed us to get to this point. All of that hard work will now lead to the improved management of the river. This legislation will be the basis of and establish a new and rekindled relationship between Maniapoto and the Crown a relationship that is based on mutual trust cooperation and respect for the principles of the Treaty. They are relationships I think all New Zealanders can rightfully take pride in. With Maniapoto now rightly part of the co-governance and co-management of the Waipa and the Waikato Rivers a more prosperous and just future is assured for all.  
Finally I respond to the concluding words of Nanaia Mahuta and acknowledge that this great iwi has done so much to advance this settlement and assure her that during the term of this Government we will move together toward the resolution of the comprehensive Treaty claim. So I am very much looking forward to sitting on the opposite side of the table of Mr Tiwha Bell and dealing with those issues before 2014.