Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little today
announced next steps for the Crown in response to
Whakatōhea’s vote last year on the future of their Treaty
claims.
The Whakatōhea vote resulted in a narrow
majority supporting the Whakatōhea Pre-Settlement Claim
Trust (the Trust) continuing to negotiate a settlement with
the Crown and a significant minority voting for a Waitangi
Tribunal inquiry into the historical claims of
Whakatōhea.
“Firstly, having had time to consider
the vote, the outcome was finely balanced. I think the
results show too much support for the Trust for the Crown to
walk away, but clearly the results raise some important
issues that need to be addressed before any decisions about
resuming negotiations can be made” says Andrew Little.
“I’ve asked officials to consider the Tribunal
inquiry. There could be an historical inquiry process
parallel to, or subsequent to, negotiations.
“I
intend to explore this possibility and other options for
building support before deciding whether to resume
negotiations,” says Andrew Little.
The Minister
also acknowledged the Trust and the hard work they have done
in facilitating the voting process recommended by the
Waitangi Tribunal and all those members of Whakatōhea who
participated.
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