4 August 2005
Treaty Settlements Labour’s Vision
Labour is committed to completing historical Treaty settlements in a fair manner and a reasonable time frame.
The acknowledgement and settlement of grievances provides benefits to Maori, the Crown and the nation. Settlements
provide iwi with a platform, from which to move forward in the next phase of their development and provides the
opportunity for a new future based relationship with the Crown to be forged. In turn, this allows for a stronger more
confident nation.
Labour's Record
During the last two terms in government Labour has:
- Progressed more Treaty claims than ever before. Eight major Treaty claims have been settled since Labour came into
office
- Moved forward on discussions and negotiations towards settlements with another 26 groups.
Labour's Policy
During our next term in government, Labour will:
- Require all historical claims to be lodged by 1 September 2008 so that our timetable for concluding all historical
settlements by 2020 can be met
- Continue to negotiate and settle claims with mandated groups
- Support multiple iwi settlements where possible and practicable
- Keep Treaty settlement processes under review to ensure that they meet the needs of both iwi and the Crown.
- Work on streamlining the settlement legislation process so that settlements benefit those intended without being
unduly held up by the complexities of passing enabling legislation through Parliament.
- Work with Maori to establish post-settlement governance entities to ensure Maori have the appropriate mechanisms in
place to manage their affairs and future development to meet their self identified goals.
- Support the process established by the Mäori Fisheries Act to transfer assets and quota to Mäori
- Support the Treaty information programme undertaken by the State Services Commission.
ENDS