Finlayson Christopher: Ngati Manawa Claims Settlement Bill Ngati Whare Claims Settlement Bill — Third Readings 
Finlayson Christopher: Ngati Manawa Claims Settlement Bill Ngati Whare Claims Settlement Bill — Third Readings 
[Volume:678;Page:1463] 
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) 
: 
 I thank previous speakers and like them welcome the representatives of both iwi who have travelled for this very special occasion from their home in the centre of the universe. Your journey towards this settlement—and it is fair to say the Crown’s as well—has taken some unexpected byways. From the inception of the push towards settling central North Island claims back in 2002 to the developments last year you have been at the forefront of settlement negotiations. I too acknowledge the leadership the pragmatism and the hard work of both negotiating teams. It is through their diligent labour that we are here today.  
I too want to acknowledge those who are no longer with us particularly Bill Bird who provided key leadership and guidance for Ngati Manawa to come to the settlement. I myself will never forget the last time I met him at a hotel in Rotorua. He was in dreadful pain. It took him quite some time to get out of the car but he was absolutely determined to ensure that the settlement addressed the grievances of Ngati Manawa and that there was meaningful redress that would benefit the iwi both now and in the future. I also want to pay homage to Denise Howden a negotiator for Ngati Manawa who also passed away. Her legacy will live for ever in the settlement especially in the commercial redress.  
Ngati Whare have also lost people on the long path to settlement. I recognise Jack Ohlson whose recent passing is still being mourned at Te Whaiti. I am saddened that he passed away prior to this legislation being enacted.  
This is a very important day not only for those of us gathered here but for those who have gone before us and those who will follow in our footsteps. It was once said about Maori that they are not just knowing the grievances or feeling the grievances but living the grievances and both iwi here know this in their hearts because their grievances are longstanding and significant. They have been passed on from generation to generation. Each has had an obligation and a duty to seek resolution in a meaningful way and these bills the Ngati Manawa Claims Settlement Bill and the Ngati Whare Claims Settlement Bill address those grievances. They settle all of the iwi’s historical Treaty of Waitangi claims. Both iwi have a close relationship and their areas of interest overlap. It is important to remember that these iwi are intrinsically linked so it is fitting that the two iwi come together as whanau to reach settlement at the same time.  
In November 2003 the Crown recognised the mandates of Te Runanga o Ngati Manawa and Te Runanga o Ngati Whare and negotiations began with the signing of joint terms of negotiation in 2004. Both iwi were part of the Central North Island Iwi Collective whose forestry claims were addressed as part of that settlement and since the settlement Ngati Whare and Ngati Manawa have progressed largely in parallel to complete their comprehensive settlements. In 2009 the Crown and Te Runanga o Ngati Whare and Te Runanga o Ngati Manawa signed separate deeds of settlement to settle all of their outstanding historical Treaty of Waitangi claims. It is significant and a reflection of their longstanding whakapapa ties that these two have travelled through the legislative stage together in this settlement legislation.  
I now want to turn to each of the settlements. The lodging of the Wai 66 claim some 25 years ago started the journey for Ngati Whare. In early 2003 the Crown gave priority to settling the historical claims within the central North Island. Ngati Whare responded by mandating Te Runanga to enter into direct negotiations with the Crown. Your vision and leadership throughout both the Central North Island Iwi Collective and the negotiations have been critical to the success of the Crown and Ngati Whare achieving this settlement today. Your package sets an example for current and future settlements with unique arrangements that have been developed for the forest within the Whirinaki Valley. Co-governance of the forest park centres on development of a conservation management plan approved jointly by the Crown and Ngati Whare. This is the first such arrangement in the history of Treaty settlements. I commend your leadership in recognising the need to find solutions that work for all parties. The idea of the co-governance arrangement in relation to the forest park has paved the way for other iwi where a long-term view of the Crown-iwi relationship needs to be taken. In addition the regeneration scheme is another way in which Ngati Whare is forging a new path and I certainly hope that the trees I planted are doing well.  
I now turn to the Ngati Manawa settlement. Ngati Manawa’s settlement is intended to meet the traditional historical cultural and spiritual needs of the iwi. They were loyal to the Crown during the New Zealand Wars but this did not protect them. Like iwi throughout the country they suffered from the effects of the native land laws and the Crown’s land purchasing techniques particularly in respect of the land they wished to retain. Twentieth-century land river and forestry development by the Crown added to their misfortune and I pick up on what Mr Horomia said. If one wants any justification for Treaty settlements and why they are so necessary let them go to Minginui today. Let them see just how bad things are and can be.  
The key aspects of Ngati Manawa’s cultural redress package aim to reinvigorate the relationship between Ngati Manawa and sites of significance in their area of interest including the vesting of sites of particular significance to Ngati Manawa the erection of a pou rahui to mark traditional iwi boundaries and the creation of a body to restore Ngati Manawa’s and Ngati Whare’s mana over their ancestral river and their relationship with eel and tuna. I look forward to when Ngati Manawa once again reclaim ownership and kaitiaki of their sacred maunga. I honour your generosity to the nation in consenting to gift Tawhiuau to the people of New Zealand.  
Given the significant historical and contemporary links of the iwi it is appropriate that the two settlement bills include joint redress. In a spirit of pragmatism and fellowship which has been ever-present in these negotiations both iwi jointly negotiated the return of four sites which will be vested in the names of their ancestors. Of particular note in these settlement packages is the innovative and groundbreaking development of a co-governance regime for the Rangitaiki River. Both iwi broke new ground with this redress. The redress providing for new engagement between iwi and local government developed by you has become the model for Treaty settlements and has been sought after in all subsequent negotiations. It is typical of the generous nature of your negotiations that you have sought to include all iwi with interest in the Rangitaiki River in this redress. Both iwi told me how important inclusiveness is to these arrangements and I understand that seats are available for all iwi with interests to be provided through their own settlements.  
In conclusion the Crown is acutely aware when it enters into negotiations that full restitution is impossible. We cannot turn back the clock. We cannot return all that was taken. I am very aware of the generosity of Ngati Manawa and Ngati Whare in accepting this and pay tribute to that now. Their gift to the nation is gratefully respected and acknowledged. I acknowledge the trustees of both iwi. Their dedication and determination have been vital in the path towards achieving settlement.  
I want to thank other Ministers—both present and past—and departments involved in this negotiation. Many people from across the political spectrum have made important contributions to this settlement over the years. As has oft been said although individuals companies and Governments come and go the iwi will always remain. I very much look forward to keeping in touch and to seeing your iwi prosper and grow in the years to come.