5 February 2002
Treaty Minister Prematurely Pats Herself On The Back
Minister for Treaty Negotiations Margaret Wilson is a bit premature in patting herself on the back when the hard work
was done by others, National Spokesperson for Treaty Issues Georgina te Heuheu said today.
"Margaret Wilson has for some time been under pressure to make progress on Treaty Issues. It's a bit rich for her to
trumpet the recent signings as her successes when these are the result of the hard work of others.
"It is simply not credible for the Minister to claim that this Government had made more progress in 12 months than had
been made previously.
Mrs te Heuheu was at the formal ceremony at the weekend to mark the signing and acceptance of the Ngati Tama deed of
settlement at the Pukearuhe Marae in Taranaki.
"I commented at the time that any progress in these settlements was good. But was astounded by the Minister's claim that
this was all her work.
"So far, only one settlement act (Pouakani Settlement Act) has passed through the House, and while another settlement
bill was introduced late last year (Te Uri O Hau). Both of these settlements had been substantially completed by the
National Government.
"The same applies to a number of other negotiations referred to by the Minister (Nga Rauru and Te Atiawa), all of which
were initiated by Sir Douglas Graham.
Mrs te Heuheu says that as the nation celebrates Waitangi Day tomorrow the Minister should reflect on her own lack of
action on treaty settlements, rather than giving herself another self-congratulatory message.
"It is important that we as a nation are able to settle these claims so we can move on together. If the Minister needs
help she should only ask, as the National Party has a proven track record of making real progress on these issues and we
are only to willing to help," Mrs te Heuheu said.
Ends