Finlayson ChristopherTE AWA TUPUA (WHANGANUI RIVER CLAIMS SETTLEMENT) BILLThird ReadingHon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations): I move That the Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Bill be now read a third time. Today is a very historic day for Whanganui iwi for all iwi who look to the river for the people and the communities of the great region of Whanganui and indeed for our country. It is appropriate that I start off by welcoming the people of Whanganui who are here to mark the passage of this significant piece of legislation into law. I know that some had a particularly early start and I am really pleased that they are here to share the day with members of Parliament.In a third reading it is appropriate to acknowledge those who have played such an important role in reaching this stage. Can I start as I should by acknowledging all tūpuna who led the way with the first petitions to Parliament as far back as 1873 who have persistently—in every court of this land including the Privy Council—pursued justice over the years. I have already mentioned this in my first reading speech but I want to acknowledge the leaders and the trust board members many of whom have passed away. I particularly remember as indeed we all do the late and great Sir Archie Taiaroa who had such a wonderful vision for Te Awa Tupua.I want to acknowledge the past negotiation team and river claim presentation leaders who have passed away but have made a huge contribution to this journey. Can I particularly acknowledge the members of the trust board and the negotiating team some of whom are in the gallery today: Te Tiwha Puketapu John Maihi Te Turi Ranginui Piki Taiaroa Raumatiki Henry Tūroa Frana Chase Beryl Millar Daryn Te Uamairangi Nancy Tuaine and Gerrard Albert. In particular Gerrard thank you so very much for bringing this settlement home for your people.The Whanganui negotiators have been unrelenting in pursuit of this settlement. They brought the wairua of Te Awa Tupua to the negotiating table. They reminded the Crown of its obligations and held it accountable for its actions and the result is a truly unique settlement. The framework for the river would not have been possible without the support of all iwi with interests in the Whanganui River catchment and I want to acknowledge their leadership both collectively and individually. I am delighted to see Sir Tumu te Heuheu in the gallery. I acknowledge his longstanding support.I also acknowledge the leadership and support of my old friend Tiwha Bell of Ngāti Maniapoto. I am so pleased that Ngāti Maniapoto has recently concluded a memorandum of understanding with Whanganui River which acknowledges each other's mana and confirms their shared commitment to working together in the implementation of the framework. I know the Hon Nanaia Mahuta will join with me—we are so pleased that this great iwi which has shown such generosity of spirit to their neighbours over many years is now engaged in negotiations. I look forward to that day when a deed of settlement can be signed between Ngāti Maniapoto and the Crown.I want to reassure those iwi with interests in the river that nothing in these arrangements is going to usurp their mana or the exercise of their customary rights and responsibilities. Te Awa Tupua expressly recognises and upholds the inalienable connection of all iwi and hapū with Te Awa Tupua and it provides for their active participation in the new arrangements.Can I acknowledge both the former Prime Minister and the current Prime Minister. These were at times tense negotiations but they were very supportive throughout. I have said many times that the role I undertake as the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations would simply be impossible without their support. I acknowledge you Mr Deputy Speaker—without bringing you into the debate—because we know that you have been the member for Whanganui since 2005 and during your time in the House you have really been a great support for Whanganui and for me as we have worked toward this settlement.I acknowledge Dame Tariana Turia mainly because it would be very dangerous not to acknowledge her but more importantly because she has made a wonderful contribution to this settlement as well and she is a very good friend of mine.I want to acknowledge the role of local government in supporting this settlement. I have said it before and I will say it again how very lucky Whanganui was at this critical time to have a mayor like Annette Main. She has played a major role in this settlement and she is excited by it as well.Finally I want to pay my respects to and express my admiration for Dr John Wood my chief Crown negotiator He is the one who is the brains behind this settlement on behalf of the Crown. He really is a great New Zealander and I want to thank him for his ongoing contribution today. And I want to thank all my officials at the Office of Treaty Settlements and the various Government agencies who have contributed.At the heart of this settlement is the whakataukī: Rere kau mai Te Awa Nui nei mai i Te Kāhui Maunga ki Tangaroa. Ko au Te Awa; ko Te Awa ko au."["This great river flows from the mountains of the national park to the sea. I am the river; the river is me."]That whakataukī encapsulates the very essence of the river and its people. By 1840 the iwi and the hapū of Whanganui possessed and exercised rights and responsibilities in relation to the river in accordance with their tikanga. A substantial population was settled along the river and its major tributaries yet within 100 years the Crown's actions and inactions disenfranchised iwi from their relationship with the river. The Crown for example allowed steamers to ply the river resulting in the destruction of fishing pā and river gravel was extracted and sold. The Crown did not properly engage or involve iwi in the management of the river but the iwi stood their ground and fought and fought and fought so that their calls for justice were finally answered.The whakataukī I recited a few minutes ago I said it is at the heart of this settlement but Te Awa Tupua forms its foundation. The legislation recognises Te Awa Tupua as an indivisible and living whole comprising the Whanganui River from the mountains to the sea incorporating its tributaries and all its physical and metaphysical elements. It recognises Te Awa Tupua as a legal person with all the corresponding rights duties and responsibilities. This really is something very special and it is already gaining attention both nationally and internationally.For more than 150 years the iwi have been unwavering in their efforts to have their interests recognised and the health and well-being of the river protected. It is therefore entirely appropriate that the iwi lead the development of the framework enshrined in this bill. However Whanganui iwi have been very clear that the framework is collaborative and inclusive and that it both recognises the status and the values of the river and looks strategically to the long term. Although the relationship is inalienable Whanganui iwi have also sought to work alongside local government Crown agencies other iwi and the communities of the river in negotiating these arrangements.Te Awa Tupua is at the very centre of the new arrangements and it is going to ensure that the river is viewed as an integrated whole when any matters relating to or affecting the river are being considered. The integrated and inclusive nature of the framework encompasses not only the iwi and other iwi and hapū with interests in the river but the community generally. So it really is an exciting day for Parliament because this longstanding grievance is brought to an end by the passage of this legislation and I very much look forward to working with the iwi on the appointments to Te Pou Tupua and to seeing this wonderful river which is at the very centre of the central North Island repaired and regenerated over the years to come.Not having heard a bell but looking at the clock I know my time is almost over so can I thank all iwi representatives for being here today and finish with the great whakataukī: the great river flows from the mountains to the sea. We now have an arrangement that will be an enduring arrangement and is the start of something very very special. I commend the bill to the House.Waiata"