National's Maori Affairs spokesperson Georgina te Heuheu says she has doubts over the Government's ability to meet the timetable it has set for settling the Muriwhenua Claim.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Margaret Wilson this week said the Muriwhenua Claim is moving closer to settlement. "If that's correct then I am delighted, as I applaud any progress on Treaty settlements," Mrs te Heuheu said today.

"However some of those I have spoken to in the Far North say that in their view we are no further ahead than we were a year ago when National was in government.

"In light of those comments I have sincere doubts over whether the timetable presented by the Minister is realistic.

"Professor Wilson is a new Minister who is yet to come to terms fully with the complexity of Treaty negotiations.

"But I wish her well and I encourage her to keep going. New Zealander's want progress on Treaty settlements," Mrs te Heuheu said.

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