From hongi to 'the finger'

you have to go to a higher level if you require answers try the UN and look under scorched earth policies! everythings there!

two words leagal binding who wants to get into a discussion about whats right and whats wrong i did a little research you have to go to the UN to find some of the mandate in regards too lodging the claim everything prepared on somewhat higher level.

Cullen seem to be throwing money around: half a billion to Toll for 30-year-old rail stock; half a billion to iwis in Treelords settlement, and there seem to be no public debate to justify that this money/assets is deservedly spent, while an anti-smacking bill had been debated for months and Pharmac can't afford to fund the full course of an anti-cancer drug. NZ is supposed to be a florishing democracy, except when it comes to forking out large chunks of taxpayers cash, which seems to be decided in backroom deals with the interested parties. I can't find any info what specific grievances are getting addressed in that Treelords deal and even why it is called Treelords in the first place.

That gesture was made to the reporters.

I consider all the comments I read below to be racist and illinformed.

I wish all New Zealand and New Zealand media would make more of an effort to examine history and realise how badly European immigrants and colonial governments ripped off the Maori.

These settlements that are made are a tiny percentage of the current value of the assets stolen. The thefts have been proven in a kiwi court of law. Many of the crimes took place in the last couple of generations also, not way back in some vague smokey past. They are only the claims that can be proven by written proof and deeds and signed cotracts that have clearly been broken. They are a token recogntion and appology for appauling, arrogant and criminal deeds.

Last year under some joke "Terrorist" claim, the Tuhoe had their homes and land invaded again. If the government and pakeha public can't handle a finger as a response to having armed soldiers crash through the doors of your homes without any proven justification then they should just grow up.

Lets look at out history, accept the wrongs of the past, try to applogise and compensate, (even if it is a token amount) and get on with living as two people, with two ethnic identities under the umbrella of one national identity.

I was taught that History was the chance to learn from our mistakes to make a better future - not try to fix the past. The Treaty is done, for better or worse it is over, lets move on together not fractured as individuals.

Nice to see that Te Weeti has such respect for the treaty negotiation process. Just imagine the headlines if somone from the crown behaved in such a manner.

It has reached the stage with the amount of people leaving New Zealand each week it will just leave the Maori behind to fight amongst themselves for the spoils. Oh how the pendulum swings.

The treaty gravy train steams on even though the engine driver appears intoxicated. When is enough enough.

The saddest thing Tamati is that one can no longer comment that the actions of people like Te Weeti are offensive without being confronted with shrieks of racism.

I have worked for over 45 years and fought a war for my country. I find it sad that people like Te Weeti and Tame Iti who have done virtually nothing for our land but foment dissension, can put their hands out and demand money.

People like these are a problem for Maori people because the time is not far away when the silent majority is going to say enough!

It's so sad to see comments such as those by Graham Keech and the 'taxpayer'. Goes to show there's a long way to go on both sides of the book.

Te Weeti - how extremely disrespectful, given the opportunity to enter negotiations with the government considering they never signed the treaty in the first place.