For the first time in 30 years, the Whole of System (Core Crown) Report on Treaty Settlement Delivery has been compiled to assess the progress of government agencies in fulfilling Treaty settlement commitments.
A total of 26 agencies were assessed on 14,637 Treaty settlements. Of these, 44 percent were completed, 33 percent were on track, 18 percent had not started, and five percent encountered delivery issues.
Māori-Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka said improved reporting on the public sector’s progress in delivering Treaty settlement commitments will lead to better outcomes for both Māori and all New Zealanders.
“The government is strongly committed to honouring Treaty settlements and delivering better public services. Having this data can help agencies improve their delivery on commitments.”
This report was produced as part of He Korowai Whakamana, a framework approved by the previous Labour government’s Cabinet in 2022, which requires Crown agencies to record, track, and report annually on the status of Treaty of Waitangi settlement commitments.
“It’s important to remember the complexity of settlement commitments can vary greatly - some may involve sending letters of introduction while others could involve complex land transfers.
“While the clear majority are on track, there’s a small percentage where complications have arisen, and the commitment may not be delivered as intended, or within the timeframe specified,” said Potaka.
According to the Māori Crown Relations Minister, some issues have been resolved, such as the case with Base Woodbourne. Redress provided in Treaty settlements with Kurahaupō iwi was initially unable to be delivered as intended, but through a resolution process with the iwi, this issue has been resolved and is now considered complete.
“Continued annual reporting will help ensure sustained investment in delivery by core Crown agencies and, over time, demonstrate an increase in settlement commitments being delivered, as well as improved agency practice.
“There is a lot of mahi to do and the Government will continue to refine practices to complete this work more expeditiously.”
