Quinn Paul: Port Nicholson Block (Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika) Claims Settlement Bill — In Committee 
Quinn Paul: Port Nicholson Block (Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika) Claims Settlement Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:655;Page:5061] 
PAUL QUINN (National) 
: 
 I will take just a brief call because one or two points need to be made in respect of this part. I know that members will note having all read the bill that this is the commercial redress part. It is important to note that it deals only with those aspects of the commercial redress that require legislative support by way of either changing other Acts or having impact on them. For instance to those members who are looking to see what quantum of money is involved in the Port Nicholson Block (Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika) Claims Settlement Bill I say that they will not find it here. They will have to go back and get that doorstop document the deed of settlement to get that figure. 
The two specific provisions that Part 3 deals with are contained in Subparts 1 and 2. Subpart 1 relates to the legal requirements in transferring properties that have been allocated and agreed—for instance I assume schools. In this situation the claimant group might have chosen as part of its redress package to pick up schools and other properties and Subpart 1 gives that legislative force. 
Subpart 2 deals with the right of first refusal. I will dwell very briefly on this subpart and share with the Committee some personal experiences. I know that this Government in going forward will ensure that future claimants do not have to suffer the sorts of experiences that I am aware the parties involved in some previous settlements have had to endure. They have had to endure that suffering because of what one might term the nickel-and-diming of the issues at the margin. 
The intransigence of the Crown has meant that some claimants have spent 10 years on very small aspects of settlements and this in the broad scheme of things has really been a waste of energy time and progress. I refer to one example in particular. I am pleased that both the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and the Minister of Defence are present tonight because I refer particularly to the army hall in Whakatane which is a right of first refusal property that has taken 10 years to resolve. It has been resolved only through the absolutely wonderful guidance of the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and the Minister of Defence and the fact that they talk to each other. Their attitude is to quit the nickel-and-diming and to get on with doing the deals so that people can get on with their lives. Because of these two excellent Ministers Ngati Awa have finally received a section 40 clearance so that the army hall can now come back to Ngati Awa. 
Hon Steve Chadwick 
: Part 3. 
PAUL QUINN 
: This is the right of first refusal process and I am saying that because previously people have tried to nickel-and-dime we have ended up dragging the process out unnecessarily. I can assure the Committee that this Government in its desire to reach agreements by the target date of 2014 will ensure in a spirit of cooperation understanding togetherness and commitment that it will not nickel-and-dime. It will make commitments and stick to them and will not put road blocks in place. These are very important issues. Having dealt with some big issues we must make sure that the processes after that are moved forward and that everyone works hard to achieve outcomes. I take the opportunity in closing my call on this part to acknowledge the two Ministers.