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

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