Treaty Claims

The Chair of the Waitangi Tribunal has predicted that all Treaty settlements will be completed within 15 years at a cost of up to $3 billion.

This would be great, if it is accurate. The total quantum is fine (recognising inflation since the 1990 benchmark settlements) and it would be be nice to think that when I turn 55, the historical grievances will be settled.

However I am sceptical. The current pace of settlements is still fairly glacial, and significant extra resourcing will be needed to even make 2021 realistic. I recall that in 1990 the year 2000 was seen as the target date for settling all claims!