Policy Area: Maori

Statement of General Direction:

The Treaty of Waitangi is fundamental to the relationship between the Crown and Maori. Within that broad framework, Government is committed to working with Maori to achieve full and active participation in New Zealand society. Maori have the dynamism and vitality to determine their own social and economic development. Justice and equity are overriding principles in improving education, health, housing and economic outcomes, and in settling Treaty claims.

Key Initiatives of Policy:

Establish a Maori Education Commission, a Maori Health Promotion Unit, a Maori Economic Development Unit and a Maori Employment and Training Unit, each a "think-tank" to monitor progress and design initiatives to graft onto mainstream departments. Structures and location of units to be developed.

Implement Ka Awatea as amended.

Establish multiple ownership review committee.

Retain Te Puni Kokiri.

Support marae development programmes funded through Lotteries Commission.

Review the regional Maori Business Development Boards and Poutama Trust redelivery to Maori.

Support and adequately resource Te Kohanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa etc.

Introduce effective and focused trade training schemes following discussion with the training sector and Maori.

Review representation on various government bodies.

Treaty Settlements:

Adequately resource the Waitangi Tribunal.

Ensure proper trusteeship obligations (with full accountability to and voting rights for beneficiaries) to Treaty settlement assets.

Discontinue the fiscal envelope on the basis that:

• There is respect for the settlements already effected, which would not be reopened
• The Coalition Parties confirm that the Crown will endeavour to settle claims on their merits using the settlements already effected as benchmarks
• Be fiscally responsible.

Review of Government policy on natural resources and funding of research and negotiating costs.

Institute a review of the performance of the Crown Forestry Rental Trust to ensure accountability, and representation frameworks are implemented and effectively utilised.

Consult fully on Maori Reserved Lands, leases and rental policy.

Fiscal Implications of this Policy Agreement:

(All funding proposals subject to being considered within the agreed spending policy parameters.)

Legislative Implications of this Policy Agreement:

Depends on the outcomes of reviews.