A Black Mark On Treaty Negotiations

New Zealand First says that the Cabinet reshuffle which has seen Mark Burton take over Treaty negotiations from Margaret Wilson doesn’t bode well for the settlement process.

“This is a man who presided over the decimation of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, and in the process insulted the few people who choose to remain in the armed forces with miniscule pay offers,” said Maori Affairs spokesperson Pita Paraone.

“He also did an outstandingly poor job of administering a small SOE, Airways NZ, which displayed a standard of personal greed and incompetence the likes of which I shudder to contemplate ever being visited on Maori.

“Treaty negotiation is an exercise in diplomacy, and I have serious doubts about the ability of Mr Burton to do justice to the job.

“We’ve already been saddled with ballooning costs and long delays in the settlement process, which have prevented us from moving forward as a nation.

“Maori have been hindered for too long by the grievance industry, and the resolution of outstanding claims is vital for all New Zealanders.

“New Zealand First has recently outlined a new, forward-thinking and practical solution to the problems surrounding Treaty settlements. I invite Mr Burton to familiarise himself with it, and to make a mark on his new portfolio by adopting it,” said Mr Paraone.

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