Source: New Zealand Government
Headline: Minister welcomes Waitangi Tribunal report
Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little has welcomed the Waitangi Tribunal’s report on the Whakatōhea mandate.
“The Tribunal acknowledged that the package on the table is a good package but there are concerns about the process.
“I’ve just received the report this afternoon and will have a close study of the full report and the recommendations.
“We take seriously what the Tribunal says as this is about ensuring that there is integrity to the settlement negotiations.
“We will work with Whakatōhea, with the pre-settlement trust and with the claimants to make sure that we meet the exacting standards set by the Tribunal.
“I think there’s good will amongst the parties to get a process on track so we can restore faith. Whakatōhea have trodden a somewhat troubled past to get here.
“The Treaty of Waitangi settlement process is about acknowledging the injustices of the past, to fulfil the aspirations of Māori and all New Zealanders for the future,” says Andrew Little.