Georgina te Heuheu National
Treaty Negotiations Spokesperson

30 July 2001

Wilson learns invaluable lesson off National

Tonight's Rotorua signing of the terms of negotiation with Te Arawa will highlight that Margaret Wilson has learned an invaluable lesson from National about how negotiations should be conducted, National's Treaty Negotiations spokesperson Georgina te Heuheu said today.

"Last month the Minister tried to put her own stamp on the complex processes but failed dismally. Announcing the Crown's Rotorua Lakes offer via the media showed a total disregard for basic negotiation principles and agreed terms of negotiation.

"Tonight's signing is an acknowledgement by Margaret Wilson that National's negotiation processes formulated with Maori in the 1990s remain the most appropriate way for settlement.

"Maori won't have a bar of this Government's arrogance when it comes to Treaty negotiations, and the Minister has learned that the hard way with Te Arawa.

"While signing the terms of negotiation is progress, there is still much to be worked out. Eyes remain on Margaret Wilson as this is the first settlement she will negotiate," Mrs te Heuheu said.

Ends

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