Chris Finlayson MP

NEWSLETTER, Issue 2, March 2013

Welcome to the second issue of my newsletter.

February was very busy for me, with and Waitangi Culture work events on Day and Treaty commemorations, numerous Arts
Australian Memorial Design at National War Memorial Park http://www.dva.gov.au/commems_oawg/OAWG/Pages/amwnz.aspx

continued negotiations.

Continued Progress on the National War Memorial

Its impossible to drive past our National War Memorial and not notice the progress that is being made on the tunnel. The new park will be opened in time for the Centenary Anzac Day on April 25th 2015. While in New Zealand, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a design for an Australian memorial in our National War Memorial Park. The 15 columns surrounded by eucalypt trees will be a fitting tribute to the relationship between Australian and New Zealand troops and will stand directly opposite the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. The Australian Department of Veterans Affairs has posted the design of the memorial on their website. The concept art gives you an idea of what will ultimately be an awe-inspiring tribute to the thousands of Anzacs who gave their lives in service of their countries.

Hon

Chris

Finlayson

MP

National Party List MP

The Arts in February

2013 is going to be a very busy year for me as Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage. A few weeks ago I attended the Adam Chamber Music Festival in Nelson and on the 4 February I attended the premiere of Mt Zion, starring Temuera Morrison and Stan Walker, which Im sure is going to be yet another very successful New Zealand film. On the 8 February I went to a performance of the National Youth Orchestra (NYO) in Wellington. The NYO was born 59 years ago and is one of our many fine cultural institutions. Sistema Aotearoa continues to have a huge impact on the children of Otara, South Auckland. TVNZs Sunday did a piece, The Otara Overture which follows Dr Joe Harrop and the children preparing for their end-of-term performance. You can watch the video by clicking the link here http://tvnz.co.nz/sundaynews/otara-overture-video-5343720 I am hoping to extend Sistema around the country in the coming months.

- Attorney-General - Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations - Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage - Associate Minister for Mori Affairs

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March 2013 Issue 2 Chris Finlayson MP (04) 817 6808

Improving Telecommunications for the Chatham Islands

Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams has announced the next stage of the Governments plan to deliver significant improvements in telecommunications for the Chatham Islands. As part of the Rural Broadband Initiative, the Government approved a grant to the Chatham Islands Council to help secure better broadband connections for its three schools, Kaingaroa, Pitt Island and Te One. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has issued a Request for Proposals as part of the next stage of the process.
Signing the Deed of Settlement with Ngati Koata, Whakatu Marae, Nelson. 21 December, 2012

At the same time, we are looking to secure similar benefits for the wider community, Ms Adams says. Fast, reliable broadband will allow schools, businesses and homes to access the internet and video conferencing, as well as specialist health and education services. The Chatham Islands are currently served by a combination of infrastructure based on the Telecom/Chorus exchange in the main township of Waitangi, and satellite broadband links to homes and businesses. There is no cell network on the islands, but the Council runs a high frequency radio system for official use.

The primary focus will be on connecting the three schools on the Chatham Islands to fast broadband.

Waitangi Day 2013

173 years ago, the Crown entered into a Treaty with Mori. It was a treaty entered into in good faith on both sides. The meaning of the Treaty has been the subject of legal, historical and political debate. But at a bare minimum, it was a guarantee the Crown would treat Mori with respect and honour and would deal in good faith. It does not seem too much to have asked back then, and it does not seem too much to ask now. Treaty settlements are as much about recognition and healing as they are about recompense. Settlements address our past and invest in a common future. The wrongs of history are real. Failure to address genuine grievance creates new grievance. Its why other parts of settlements like restoring traditional names, or co-management of culturally significant land with the government may not have monetary value. They are important to iwi and the way they relate to the country. This work has been my responsibility as Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations since 2008. Good progress has been made to resolve historical grievances in that time. At Waitangi this year, it was great to see iwi focusing on the opportunities which settlements provide and iwi yet to settle wanting to conclude their settlements as quickly as possible. Along with the dawn service at five in the morning and the Prime Ministers breakfast, I attended eight meetings during my stay in Waitangi to further talks with iwi. The day before Waitangi Day, the Crown signed a Social Development Accord with Te Hiku o Te Ika (the Far North) as part of the iwi Treaty Settlement. The Accord commits the Crown and government agencies to work with Te Hiku to improve social outcomes for the iwi hap and whanau. Page 2

At the Deed of Settlement signing with Ngati Koroki Kahukura, 20 December, 2012

March 2013 Issue 2 Chris Finlayson MP (04) 817 6808

Private Bag 18041 Parliament Buildings Wellington 6160 New Zealand Phone: (04) 817 6808 Level 7, Quinovic House 32-34 Kent Terrace Mount Victoria Wellington 6011 Phone: (04) 801 6130 E-Mail: christopher.finlayson@par liament.govt.nz Web Site: www.chrisfinlayson.co.nz Facebook: /CFFinlayson Twitter: @chrisfinlayson

Whales in the World Court

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced on the 13 February that New Zealand has been authorised to intervene in the case between Australia and Japan, concerning the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. In July I will travel to The Hague to appear on behalf of the New Zealand Government before the ICJ in these proceedings.

The Tale of the French Bishop

Earlier this month I opened an exhibition in Auckland for contemporary Wellington artist, Piera McArthur. It is outstanding. The exhibition is entitled The Tale of the French Bishop.

The Beehive: Preparing a Section 7 Report

I released a video on some of the processes that go into preparing a Bill of Rights section 7 report. Click the link below to see the video. This is the first in a series of videos that will give you a behind-the-scenes look at Ministers work and offices. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba8VxZ6DZas

Any feedback, queries or concerns you would like to talk to me about, please dont hesitate to contact me.

The October 27, 2012 Deed of Settlement signing with Ngai Takoto in Kaitaia

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Authorised by Christopher Finlayson MP, 32-34 Kent Terrace, Mt Victoria, Wellington