Northland minister MP Kelvin Davis: It's time we had a talk

MP Kelvin Davis is about to embark on a series of hui, in his role as Crown/Maori relations minister.

by Kelvin Davis

It's about time we had this talk.

At the Land War Commemoration at Waitangi earlier this month, I was reminded of the relationship Ngāpuhi had with the Crown 173 years ago.

It was a relationship which started on the battlefield.

Today, although we no longer head into battle with muskets or arms, we still spend much of our time fighting in the courts, in front of the Waitangi Tribunal or marching on the streets.

There has got to be a better way forward for the Crown and Māori. And we need to start talking about our future now.

For the last 178 years, too often the Crown has told Māori what their relationship is. As the first Minister of Crown Maori Relations I'm not taking that approach.

If there is to be a genuine, two-way relationship it means both parties have a right speak and both have to listen.

And as the Crown we have already starting listening to views from across our country, from business to academics, local government to local champions.

No one's view is the same. And it has been a real eye opener. Debate has been proactive, people are excited and the majority are saying – "it's about time we had this talk".
And they are right.

The settlement of historical Treaty claims are coming to an end. And Māori and the Crown need to start thinking about what a Crown/Māori relationship looks like once we leave the negotiating table.

It's a conversation we have never had before and although I may be the Te Tai Tokerau MP, I'm not presuming I know everything and can speak for everyone.

That's why we are travelling up and down Aotearoa - to listen to our kaumātua, to rangatahi, to business, wānanga, iwi, hapū, kura, to everyone and anyone that wants to share their thoughts and ideas and who wants to listen to the ideas of others.

Our first regional hui kick off on April 7 in Kaitaia (from 8.30am on Saturday at Kaitaia College) and Whangarei (from 11am on Sunday at Terenga Paraoa Marae) – and everyone is welcome to come along.
For those who can't make it to these hui, you can provide written feedback through the Ministry of Justice website, or by posting your ideas to Freepost Authority 254825, Crown Māori Relations, PO Box 180, Wellington.
Also look at the Crown/Māori Relations pages on the Ministry of Justice website (www.justice.govt.nz/maori-land-treaty/crown-maori-relations), where you can read about my initial ideas, find hui dates and locations, and even place your feedback straightaway online.
I'm excited about this opportunity. So come long and share your ideas. We'll be there to listen.
Korerō mai!

■ Kelvin Davis is Minister for Crown/Māori Relations