Treaty settlements are being enacted with "unprecedented speed" the Government says after Parliament on Thursday passed four bills on unanimous votes.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson says there was only a week between the second and third readings of the bills.
That's like lightning compared with most legislation that goes through Parliament, and Mr Finlayson says it was achieved through the agreement of iwi, bipartisan support and cross-party agreement to sit for extended hours.
"The speed at which the Government is progressing treaty settlement legislation is unprecedented," Mr Finlayson said.
"We look forward to passing more legislation in the coming year."
Settlements enacted on Thursday included:
- The Ngati Makino Bay of Plenty claim. Financial redress of $6.75 million and the transfer of 3400ha of Rotoehu Crown Forest land.
- The Rongowhakaata Gisborne claim. Financial redress of $22.24m and a range of commercial redress properties.
- The Ngai Tamanuhiri Gisborne claim. Financial redress of $11m and a range of commercial redress properties.
- The Maraeroa A and B Block Te Kuiti claims. Its provisions will settle the claims but they are not yet comprehensive.
NZN