KEY POINTS:
Prime Minister-elect John Key has promised iwi an ongoing working relationship which they have welcomed as a new era for Maori-Crown relations.
Mr Key also committed to continuing to attend Waitangi Day events at Te Tii marae which outgoing Prime Minister Helen Clark avoided, having been jostled and upset there in the past.
Mr Key this morning met iwi leaders Timi te Heuheu of Tuwharetoa, includes Archie Taiaroa (Whanganui), Apirana Mahuika (Ngati Porou), Tukuroirangi Morgan (Tainui), Mark Solomon (Ngai Tahu) and Sonny Tau (Nga Puhi).
Mr Key welcomed the leaders to Parliament at his offices alongside Bill English, Georgina te Heuheu and Tau Henare before taking them to a ground floor meeting room.
Speaking afterwards Mr Morgan told reporters the key issue discussed was preserving and protecting Treaty claims. They supported National's inclusive approach to working with the Maori Party but made it clear they represented the Treaty partner with the Crown.
Mr Key agreed to ongoing sessions and a working relationship.
"We've not had that cohesive approach prior to this time so as we usher in a new era of government in this country Maori also look forward to a new kind of relationship and an opportunity to grow the relationship in an honest and committed way," Mr Morgan said.
"In a nutshell I leave this place with a smile on my face, with an expectation that there will be an honest and frank approach by this Government to deal with Maori issues going forward."
He believed Mr Key would make a fine Prime Minister.
"He's young, he's energetic, he's a passionate New Zealander. The qualities that require him to hold the highest office in the land will hold him in good stead going forward."
Mr Key said the leaders were very keen to engage and have a strong relationship. Talks canvassed fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, water issues, Treaty issues, and the foreshore and seabed legislation.
He repeated a commitment that Ngati Porou's foreshore and seabed deal would not be affected.
Mr Key said Labour over time had locked out more people than it included and he would engage more.
The leaders presented Mr Key with a carved box containing a pounamu stone (greenstone) which Mr Morgan said was a symbol of good faith.
"An expectation on behalf of iwi that iwi will be treated in an honest and comprehensive way."
Mr Key said it represented love, faith and hope: "I might need all three".
The meeting comes as Mr Key tries to agree a deal with the Maori Party to make his National-led government more secure over the next three years.
Support for a deal is reported to be strong in the nationwide hui the Maori Party is holding to gauge opinions of its draft agreement.
