Hon Parekura Horomia
Minister of Mäori Affairs
MP for Ikaroa-Rawhiti

16 July 2002

Labour on whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori community development

"Whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori communities have spearheaded their own success, making the most of the opportunity to work with the Labour led government to achieve their development aspirations ", said Mäori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia today.

"Three years ago Labour took up the challenge to work alongside whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori communities to build a platform for sustainable long term development. Together we have made a solid start on preparing the platform and together, we still have much to achieve.

"We have worked to strengthen the ongoing Treaty relationship and together, we are working to accelerate development.

"We have sought to progress a whole of government approach. Government agencies are expected to work constructively with whänau, hapü, iwi and Mäori communities. We will continue with this and expect all government agencies to continue to improve the way in which they engage with Mäori.

Achievements include:
 Completing unfinished business, such as Te Ture Whenua Mäori Act amendments and Mäori Reserved Landowners negotiated agreement and reformed out-dated tax laws for Maori organisations.
 Social and economic measures, such as, better access to quality primary health services, access to affordable adequate housing, over 300 new Mäori owned businesses, over 24,000 more Mäori in jobs, Modern Apprenticeships and Industry Training opportunities, and the Hui Taumata Mätauranga and initiatives to improve Mäori education achievement.
 Improvements to the Treaty settlement process for both partners have strengthened the integrity of the process and ensure settlements last. This includes the new streamlined Waitangi Tribunal process and funding. Three deeds of settlement have been signed and six iwi are in intensive negotiations.
 Working constructively to get Mäori Television Service up and running and good progress on fisheries.

"The aim of Labour's second term in government is to consolidate the progress made and build on the development momentum created.

"The next three years will see Mäori undergo a major period of change, through the distribution of significant assets. The development opportunities this creates must be fully grasped for the benefit of all our communities now and in the future.

"Mäori have the desire and potential to achieve their goals. Labour in a second term will accept the challenge as a Treaty partner to facilitate whänau hapü iwi and Mäori community development across the whole of government," Parekura Horomia said.

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