As the year 2011 draws to a close, some reflective thinking is required to consider what was outlined at the start of the year; and what has been achieved since that time.
Late last year, we highlighted that the offer made to us as a starting point in the negotiations was inadequate; that position and view still stands; and much more work is required to push that offer to a point where our people will be even open to considering moving out of negotiations into settlement.
However the offer may be reflective of several societal events; particularly the Christchurch Earthquake; Pike River mine disaster and more recently the Rena Oil Spill. The financial crisis that we are experiencing and with the onset of PSA is also upsetting. These governmental pressures outline that any offers as part of the Treaty settlement debates are contextualised within these frameworks. Yet, that conclusion does not provide us with confidence that our claims will be treated like other tribes settling with our population; area of loss; and simliar circumstances.
For instance, Ngati Awa comes to mind as a comparison. Even Whakatohea is a good starting place with where we need to begin talking more frankly about how to get Ngāi Te Rangi across the line in these discussions. In any event; if things don't improve, there may be a possibility that Ngai Te Rangi may need to withdraw from the negotiations process. Lets hope that is not the case and that our position as a tribe is well reflected within our final offers being put on the table. With that, our timeline will stretch out to June 2012 for the initialling of our Deed of Settlement. We hope to have a Treaty settlement package that we are proud to put before our people; and proud to connect within and to a Post Settlement Governance Entity discussion moving ahead.
Best wishes for the new year everyone - mā te atua koutou e manaaki.