Cullen plans to become treaty settlement negotiator

Dr Michael Cullen is expected to resign from Parliament before this year's Budget. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Former finance and treaty negotiations minister Michael Cullen intends becoming a negotiator for central North Island iwi Tuwharetoa after he quits politics, Labour Party sources say.

Dr Cullen is expected to resign from Parliament before the May 28 Budget.

Dr Cullen took the treaty negotiations portfolio because of his keen interest in settlements, and was credited with progressing them quickly during Labour's last term in office.

He was instrumental in achieving the "Treelords" settlement and worked on it with Tuwharetoa chief Tumu te Heuheu.

- NZPA