Commission report 2011

Commission report reveals progress on treaty issues

The Human Rights Commission’s annual review of Treaty of Waitangi issues shows significant progress has been made in the past year despite disagreement over the Marine and Coastal Area Bill. Of particular note was the record number of treaty settlement milestones, support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the establishment of Whānau Ora and the announcement of a constitutional review.

Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres says “there are plenty of challenges for 2011, but the rate of progress over the past year is a determined step forward.”

Other developments highlighted in the Commission’s review were the publication of several major reports by the Waitangi Tribunal; a $14 million settlement of the contemporary treaty claim of Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiārangi; legislation giving effect to a $97 million aquaculture settlement; the approval of nine mātaitai customary fishing reserves; the establishment of a co-governance framework for the Waikato River; and four more marae-based rangatahi courts.
Mr de Bres says challenges for the coming year include achieving closure on the Marine and Coastal Area Bill and maintaining the momentum in treaty settlements. Increasing Māori participation in local government through the forthcoming representation reviews is important, as is addressing continuing social and economic inequalities experienced by Māori.
In 2011, the Commission will be initiating a programme of work on structural discrimination, with a view to promoting action to remove barriers to social and economic equality.