8. Hon TAU HENARE (National) to the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations: What recent progress has the Government made towards its goal of settling all historic Treaty claims by 2014?

Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) : Yesterday the Crown signed terms of negotiation with Te Ātiawa at Ōwae Marae at Waitara, and terms of negotiation with Taranaki tūturu at Pūniho Marae. These milestones mark an important step in the process of settling the remaining historic claims in Taranaki. I acknowledge all those who were present yesterday, including parliamentary colleagues from both sides of the House. I especially mention the local MPs Tariana Turia and Jonathan Young, who have played an important role in helping to progress these negotiations.

Hon Tau Henare: What is the significance of settling the remaining historical claims in Taranaki?

Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: Yesterday also marked the 150th anniversary of the start of the Land Wars. Taranaki was the scene of some of the gravest Treaty breaches in New Zealand’s history, including the destruction of Parihaka in 1881. If New Zealand is to move forward, it is important that we address the wrongs of the past, and that is why this Government is so keen to settle the remaining historical claims in Taranaki.

Hon Peter Dunne: With regard to claims, is the Minister concerned about the actions of the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust trustees in blocking duck shooters from accessing the Pencarrow lakes during the eight weekends a year of the duck shooting season; if so, what steps can be taken to resolve this without setting a precedent for similar exclusions of public access in future settlements?

Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: Yes, I was concerned by initial reports that the trust may have purported to act outside the terms of the Treaty settlement with Taranaki Whānui. The iwi, as landowner, has the right to exclude recreational activities only if there is “a risk of a significant adverse effect to the environment”. The iwi believes, for a number of reasons, that such a risk is posed by didymo, and also by the irresponsible actions of some hunters. I can assure the member I am looking very closely at the situation.