Expense and Expendability: Some Observations on the Funding of Iwi Development and Treaty Claims

Abstract

Jane Austen's novel Sense and Sensibility opens with Mrs Dashwood's rich stepson and his wife considering what provision they should make for her and her three daughters, since the unexpected death of Mr Dashwood has left them with very little capital. The estate entails upon the brother and he has promised his late father to make sure they are comfortable. His initial impulse to give £3,000 to the three daughters is gradually whittled down by his wife to helping them move house, giving them some furniture, and sending occasional presents of money, fish and game.' The history of government funding of Māori initiatives has exhibited rather the same pattern with an initial generosity giving way to niggardliness.