16 March 2016

Labour Supports First Reading of Treaty Settlements

“Today the Labour Party joins with other political parties to support the introduction of Treaty Settlement legislation for Te Atiawa, Taranaki Iwi and Rangitane o Manawatu” said Labour Treaty Settlement Spokesperson Nanaia Mahuta

The House is considering the first reading and passage of these Bills in an extended sitting of Parliament.

“This morning members of these respective iwi travelled long distances to hear the various commentaries to important Treaty Bills. As Labour members we are very conscious that the path to settlement is not easy” said Nanaia Mahuta.

“Those claims relating to the Taranaki region present some of the most hurtful atrocities inflicted during the 1860s and resulted in the confiscation of approximately 1.2 million acres of Maori land.”

“Indeed the Waitangi Tribunal noted that ‘the whole history of Government dealings with Maori of Taranaki has been the antithesis to that envisaged by the Treaty of Waitangi’ and I would certainly agree.”

“The opportunity for Te Atiawa and Taranaki iwi to have their history recorded, apologies afforded by the Crown and remedies addressed is a very important step forward for all New Zealanders.”

“For Rangitane o Manawatu we also acknowledge the wrongful actions of the Crown in its approach to leasing land from iwi in the region. These wrongful actions led to land loss and the lack of recognition of the Rangitane o Manawatu iwi contribution to the growth of the region.”

“Labour welcomes broad participation in the Select Committee process as an important step in moving beyond reconciliation towards creating a shared vision for the future and a deeper sense of nationhood”.

Ends