New Zealand Parliamentary Debate

Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Deletion Bill [4466]

types of principles that will guide a way forward, and they could be an opportunity for us all.

It is very important to understand that the evolution in Treaty discourse has changed over time. More recently, the way in which Treaty clauses have been included in the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act and the Local Government Act 2002 really reflects where we have come to as a nation. The Treaty clauses in both of those Acts reflect an approach of providing greater clarity of the purpose of referring to the Treaty in legislation in order to make operational the relationship between the Crown, Maori, and other New Zealanders. These examples provide certainty about how relationships should work so that pragmatic and practical working relationships can be forged. This is a constructive way forward.

Once again, I say that I do not support the intent of the New Zealand First bill. It rejects the path we have come down to build an Aotearoa New Zealand we can all be proud of. This is not the next foreshore and seabed issue. A Labour Government established the Waitangi Tribunal, set out the principles in 1989, continued the Treaty settlements process, and provided the platform for Maori development with two Hui Taumata in two decades. Those are just some of the generational achievements.

Sending this bill to a select committee allows a debate to occur. We are not afraid of that, but I urge the House to consider the merit of building a nation founded on the principles of the Treaty, not on empty promises. The bill should go to a select committee, and no further.

R DOUG WOOLERTON( NZ First):

I move that the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Deletion Bill-

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER( Ann Hartley)

: Sorry-does the member realise he has a speech in reply?

R DOUG WOOLERTON

: Thank you. I apologise for being presumptuous. I cannot get over the glowing attributes and support that New Zealand First members have found ourselves receiving. I was moving ahead of myself, and I apologise for that.

It does sadden me a little bit that when changes are suggested like taking out the words the principles from legislation, it is interpreted as New Zealand First-or in particular myself-wanting to take out the provisions relating to the Treaty of Waitangi. That is not the case. I said that several times throughout my earlier speech, and I say it again. We are not here to take the Treaty of Waitangi out of legislation; it is the words the principles that we want removed.

Te Ururoa Flavell

: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Kia ora, Madam Speaker; kua rongo au i te korero o te mema nei. I tenei wiki, te wiki o te reo Maori, e tika ana kia whakahua i nga ingoa Maori i runga i te tika. Ara-

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have heard this member's address. During this week, the week for the Maori language, Maori names should be pronounced correctly. Indeed-

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER( Ann Hartley)

: Points of order should be succinct. Have you finished?

Rodney Hide

: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker.

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER( Ann Hartley)

: Please be seated. The member will be seated when I am on my feet. Te Ururoa Flavell, had you finished?

Te Ururoa Flavell

: I te tatari au ki te tangata nei.

I was waiting for the interpreter.

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER( Ann Hartley)

: The member paused and I was asking him whether he had finished. We will have the interpretation, thank you.

An interpretation in English was given to the House.