Te Atiawa works toward fish settlement peace

Taranaki's Te Ati Awa iwi is working to resolve its differences so it can take delivery of its fisheries settlement assets.

Its land claim negotiations have stalled because of disputes over mandate.

But spokesperson Peter Moeau says the parties are working through a united process to settle the fisheries claims.

He says a company is being formed to hold the assets, and the aim is to complete the process by the end of the year.

Mr Moeahu says while the tribe’s settlement assets won’t be substantial, they are an investment for the future:

KIRO PROPOSES SAFETY NET

Children's Commissioner Cindy Kiro's plan for a safety net to reduce child abuse has won government support.

The initiative called Te Ara Tukutuku has received the full support of Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope says the ideas in Te Ara Tukutuku or "the pathway to well being" framework will be considered by the multi-party group on family violence.

Dr Kiro says the by structuring the framework around key developmental milestones, framework should ensure the health, education and welfare or safety needs of every child are met.

“It’s not just about dealing with high risk children, but I think high risk children would benefit most, and in particular if there are significant safety issues, picking them up before offending or problem behaviors begin or before things get seriously out of control,” Kiro said.


TREATY BOOK PRIZE FIRST EFFORT
An attempt to look at the Treaty of Waitangi in contemporary terms has won the award for a best first book of non fiction at the Montana New Zealand Book Awards.

Pakeha and the Treaty was written by Pat Snedden, who chairs Housing New Zealand and Counties manukau District Health Board.

Mr Snedden says the value of the Treaty as a uniting force between Maori and Pakeha should never be underestimated.

PM DISMISSES NATS MAORI STANCE

The Prime Minister says she can detect no softening of the National Party's line on the treaty.

There was speculation before the party's weekend conference that it would unveil initiatives to appeal to Maori voters.

Instead, leader Don Brash reiterated that the foundations of National's policies is the principle of one law for all, which is seen by many Maori as denying rights guaranteed under the treaty.

Helen Clark says National is taking a cynical approach by asking for people's votes without telling them what they will get.

“I didn't hear any softening on Maori or anything else, because on Maoridom, they seem to be speaking behind closed doors to themselves, so heaven knows what cynicism is being conveyed there,” Clark said.


RANGITANE SEEKS WAIRAU KOIWI

A South Island iwi is challenging Canterbury Museum's rights to hold on to their ancestral remains.

Richard Bradley , the manager of Blenheim-based Rangitane ki te Tonga, says the iwi has been negotiating for five years over what should happen to 53 skeltons unearthed on the Wairau Bar.

The iwi wants the koiwi re-buried, but was vetoed by the Canterbury Museum's Maori advisory board, Te Ohaki o Nga Tipuna.

Mr Bradley says Rangitane isn't accepting that decision.

IN: Well I think there’s doubt in the museum’s mind that suggests of course the museum has the right to hold remains that don’t belong to anyone on the board,” Bradley said.

KOHANGA CRASH SHOWS STRAPPING WORKS

The message seems to be getting through to kohanga reo, about the need to make sure tamariki are securly strapped into carseats when they travel.

Police iwi liason officer for Taitokerau Paddy Whiu says that's the good news that cen be taken out yesterday morning's accident in Kaiatia, where a minivan carrying children to their kohanga reo rolled .

Mr Whiu says the kohanga's kaiawhina or helper had checked that everyone was strapped in, so there were only minor injuries.