1 Jul 2011

Treaty process becoming formulaic, warns Sharples

8:39 pm on 1 July 2011

The Treaty settlements process is in danger of becoming formulaic, Minister of Māori Affairs Pita Sharples has warned.

Dr Sharples told iwi gathered in Wellington for the third annual Kōkiri Ngātahi hui on Friday that he questioned whether the process had too much of a focus on ticking boxes.

He said there should be an engagement between Treaty partners, exploring the differences and similarities that made the relationship rich and rewarding.

Dr Sharples said the Crown needed to acknowledge the unique qualities of each iwi, including the geographical features in each tribal area, and tailor its relationship accordingly.