15th October 1999

For immediate release

TREATY EDUCATION OFFICE: MAURI PACIFIC'S MAORI AFFAIRS POLICY

Mauri Pacific would establish a Treaty of Waitangi Education Office as an arm of Te Puni Kokiri Leader Tau Henare said today.

Leader, Hon Tau Henare, said one of the first jobs for the office would be to initiate public consultation about the Treaty with a view to setting in train a process to establish a constitution.

"Mauri Pacific recognises there are a series of problems with the Maori-Crown relationship, and the Maori-tauiwi relationship. Underlying this is misinformation, misunderstanding and poor communication," he said.

"It's not about going backwards at all either. Rather it's taking from the past in order to move forward."

The aim of the office would be to develop a national treaty campaign.

"The need for that is obvious. People want to understand the Treaty process, what it means and the reasons for settlements.

"Also it's about clarifying the relationship between Maori and the Crown – Maori and tauiwi."

Mr Henare said TPK had a role to play in advising the Government on its Treaty obligations. "So the Treaty Education Office is a natural extension and fits in neatly without, again, making it a big ask."

ENDS

Inquiries to Reuben Wharawhara, Press Secretary: (04) 471 9170 or 025 477 984

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