Maori historian Ranginui Walker says government ministers would learn a lot by attending Waitangi Tribunal hearings.
Dr Walker, who sits on the tribunal, says the standoff between the Government and Tuhoe over Te Urewera might not have happened if Prime Minister John Key had witnessed Tuhoe's evidence on its history of land confiscation and alienation.
The sort of evidence being put by claimants in the Ngapuhi hearings might also surprise politicians if they were to hear it, Dr Walker told Waatea News].
Thursday's Budget includes $6.5 million to speed up Treaty settlements by providing more resources for Crown negotiators, but nothing extra for the Waitangi Tribunal.
