27 June 2006

Historic Day For Treaty Claims

New Zealand First supports the proposed amendment of the Treaty of Waitangi Act which specifies September 2008 as a closing date for the lodgment of new historical Treaty claims to the Waitangi Tribunal.

“It’s pleasing to see that the Government is finally taking note of what New Zealand First has been saying for years, and that is that a finite date for the lodging of historical claims is vital if New Zealand is to progress and move forward,” said Maori Affairs spokesperson Pita Paraone.

“The Maori Purposes Bill will provide certainty about the number and nature of historical claims the Tribunal is to inquire into, and it also helpfully defines a historical Treaty claim as one relating to events occurring before 21 September 1992.

“This bill will hopefully signal the beginning of a new era for Maori and for New Zealand. A greater sense of urgency and focus has long been needed with regard to Treaty claims, and this bill will certainly provide that.

“I have asked the Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations to ensure that the Office of Treaty Settlements is adequately resourced to cope with the increased demand that this bill will undoubtedly generate,” said Mr Paraone.

ENDS

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