Mallard 'safer' bet for treaty role

By RUTH BERRY, political reporter

Government sensitivities over its treaty information programme saw a last-minute decision to remove Margaret Wilson and Parekura Horomia as the ministers fronting it and Trevor Mallard thrust into the job.

The change is revealed in Official Information Act papers on the unit, which has a $6.47 million budget to run the three-year programme from next year. The papers were released to the Herald.

Labour promised a treaty education campaign in 1999, but dragged its heels on the issue, worried about being accused of pushing an ideological agenda.

Plans to establish the Treaty Information Unit within the State Services Commission were finally announced in May and, more recently, former diplomat Tia Barrett was named as head of the unit.

The shift from an "education" to "information" programme was to head off potential criticism.

But the papers show the commission, also sensitive about its new role, was not convinced the Government appreciated the difference.

There was no explanation for the unit being placed under the care of the commission, of which Mr Mallard is the minister in charge.

But the papers show Cabinet agreed to give responsibility for the unit to Mr Horomia, as Maori Affairs Minister and Margaret Wilson, as Minister in Charge of Treaty Negotiations in March, then rescinded the decision within a month.

Mr Horomia and Margaret Wilson are now part of a group of ministers who will be consulted over the issue.

National MP Murray McCully said yesterday the change showed a "massive about-face".

The commission did not have the resources or the expertise to deal with a treaty programme, but "clearly the Prime Minister took fright at the thought of Margaret Wilson being allowed loose with it."

"It's a vote of no confidence in both ministers and their departments."

Beehive sources said the Government wanted the programme to have as broad an appeal as possible.

Because the two ministers were so closely aligned with Maori portfolios, it was felt that might have suggested the programme was not for all New Zealanders, the sources said.

An April commission paper to Cabinet shows the agency had concerns about some of the directions the Government was giving and suggested that ministers' desire for "rapid delivery" should not compromise quality.

Proposals to include "short dramatisations ... seem to be somewhat at odds with the 'factual information' thrust of the programmes".

" Dramatisations suggest more of an educative function than information provision," the commission advised.

Despite the criticism, subsequent papers continue to plan for the commissioning of short dramatisations and of documentaries and expert studio discussions for television.

The papers show the programme will also involve the development of new information resources, including historical material on the treaty and its signing and on subsequent settlements.

Wider use may be made of Waitangi Tribunal reports and evidence, there would be sponsored seminars, and print media articles would be commissioned.

Cash would also be provided for community group initiatives.

Programme aims

The treaty information programme aims to: Develop material on the treaty, its signing and subsequent settlements.

Prepare Waitangi Tribunal reports and evidence for presentation to local communities

Sponsor seminars, workshops and hui for interested groups