Address by the Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations

Abstract

This article is the text of the address provided by Douglas Graham, then-MP and Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, at the "Treaty Claims: The Unfinished Business" Conference. The Minister's address was by way of general remarks as opposed to a prepared address. Graham makes four points on what he believes the unfinished businesses are, or what New Zealand must do, in light of the Conference topic. First, there is a need to reconcile the rights and obligations that exist under the Treaty of Waitangi by the Crown and Māori. Secondly, there is a need to give more emphasis to policies to ensure the development and the protection and preservation of the Māori culture. Thirdly, the legal status of the Treaty must be considered. Fourthly, the issue of Māori self-determination and sovereignty must be addressed. The author concludes that both the Crown and Māori were making positive developments in Treaty negotiations.