Hon Georgina te Heuheu MP
National Party Maori Affairs Spokeswoman
(Culture and Development)

27 November 2007

Iwi collaboration applauded

The collaboration of Ngai Tahu and Tainui, who have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the potential for joint ventures and other areas of cooperation is very welcome news, says National’s Maori Affairs (Culture and Development) spokeswoman, Georgina te Heuheu.

“The move brings together the two tribes who were among the first to settle their Treaty claims, and who within a decade appear to have well and truly consolidated their holdings.

“This demonstrates the importance of treaty settlements in spearheading Maori economic development, and justifies the previous National Government’s commitment to them.

“That is why the next National Government will put renewed energy into the Treaty settlements process by promoting clearer lines for mandating, taking a more hands-on approach, and re-establishing confidence in the process.

“The coming together of these two major tribes can only be commended. It increases the potential for economic development that will bring rewards to their members and the wider New Zealand economy.

“The protection of property rights, the orderly return of assets to iwi, and the creation of an environment that supports enterprise and business, are all things National supports as pivotal to future Maori growth and development.

“National applauds the initiative of Ngai Tahu and Tainui in showing once again that iwi independence is the way of the future.”

ENDS

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