Beehive Bulletin 1 December 2006
Crown apology
The Prime Minister delivered a formal apology to Te Arawa at Te Papaiouru Marae in Rotorua, for Treaty of Waitangi
breaches relating to 14 lakes in the area. Helen Clark presented Te Arawa with a photograph of each of the 14 lakes, and
a Maori translation of the Deed of Settlement. Te Arawa's Treaty claims over the lakes were settled when legislation,
passed in September, allowed for the transfer of the beds of 13 lakes to Te Arawa, and payment of $10 million. The money
included $2.7m for the settlement of historical claims and $7.3m to buy out the annuity paid to the Te Arawa Mäori Trust
Board pursuant to a 1922 Crown-Te Arawa agreement concerning the ownership of the lakes.
The settlement also included an apology from the Crown for breaches of the Treaty in respect of the lakes and for the
negative impact on Te Arawa's rangatiratanga over the lakes. Helen Clark said the Crown was pleased to be able to right
past wrongs. Treaty Negotiations Minister Mark Burton said the Prime Minister's personal delivery of the Crown's apology
is an important part of rebuilding a relationship with Te Arawa.
Trade of apples . . .
Trade Minister Phil Goff and Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton expressed continued disappointment at the strict access
conditions imposed on New Zealand apples into Australia. This week's release of the Biosecurity Australia's Final Import
Risk Analysis (IRA) of our apples, allowed imports with extensive conditions, to all states except Western Australia.
Previously, a total ban imposed on the grounds that apples might transmit the plant disease fire blight was later
withdrawn. New Zealand officials will assess the 600-page report and conditions carefully, the ministers said. The
government is keeping its options open including taking the case to the WTO.
. . . and butter
In other trade news, Phil Goff announced New Zealand's agreement with the European Commission on the long-term
arrangements for our butter exports to Europe. With the current short term arrangements for importing New Zealand butter
to the EU due to expire on 31 December 2006, New Zealand officials working out the details of a longer term solution
with the Commission. A new regime for New Zealand butter exports to Europe will be implemented from 1 January 2007.
Under the package, the tariff for New Zealand butter imported under the quota will be reduced to ?700 per tonne from the
current rate of ?868.8 per tonne, a reduction of 19.43 per cent. There will also be a change in the butterfat standard
from 80/82 per cent to 80/85 per cent, with a 3.5 per cent reduction in the quota to take account of the higher fat
levels.
Protecting Great White Sharks
White pointer sharks will be given greater protection under changes announced by Conservation Minister Chris Carter and
Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton. From April 2007, it will be illegal under the Wildlife Act to hunt, kill or harm white
pointer sharks, also known as great white sharks, within New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ - 200 nautical mile
around New Zealand). Possession of, or trading in, any part of a great white, will also be outlawed. Chris Carter said
despite the white pointer's reputation as an apex predator, it was vulnerable to fishing and without protection, could
be pushed to the brink of extinction.
The Wildlife Act provides for a $250,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment for illegal hunting or trading. Further
out at sea, New Zealand-flagged boats will be banned under the Fisheries Act from taking white pointer sharks while
fishing outside the EEZ. However, provisions will allow the continued use of shark nets to protect swimmers around
Dunedin beaches, and accidental catching and killing will not be prosecuted provided fishers register the death with
authorities.
Tenancies law reform
Building Issues Minister Clayton Cosgrove unveiled a package of reforms to encourage a fairer rental market, and to
revamp outdated law covering apartments and other multi-unit properties. Proposed Residential Tenancies Act changes
include, limiting tenants' liability for damage they did not cause, extending the coverage of the Act and access to
tenancy dispute resolution to those not currently protected such as people in retirement villages, boarding houses, and
supported living.
With a 50 year projection of half a million people living in apartments, townhouses and high-rise buildings in Auckland
alone, the new Unit Titles Act will help clarify rights and obligations, assist effective conflict resolution, provide
better information, and better management. Legislation is due to be introduced in 2007.
Joint Pacific airwaves
A decision to merge Pacific community radio stations Radio 531pi and NiuFM has been welcomed by the government as one
that will strengthen broadcasting for Pacific communities within New Zealand. Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey and
Pacific Island Affairs Minister Phil Goff say the two stations will be able to pool resources, avoid programme
duplication and enhance services they both provide to Pacific audiences.
The stations will combine under the National Pacific Radio Trust umbrella, the government-appointed charitable trust
responsible for NiuFM since its establishment as a government initiative to improve Pacific broadcasting, in 2002. The
network now reaches 85 per cent of the Pacific population nationwide. Radio 531pi, broadcasting to Aucklanders, was
established in 1993 and is owned by the Auckland Pacific Island Community Radio Trust.
ENDS