Crown M¯aori agency gets over the line

A new Office for Crown Ma¯ori Relations has been announced after some last-minute negotiations between Labour and NZ First.

Its official launch was scuppered last week. NZ First’s objections are understood to have centred on the inclusion of the word ‘‘partnership’’ in the new agency’s name – a word that is now absent from the title, but one that is still used in the description of what the new agency will do.

Crown Ma¯ ori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis said the new agency, Te Arawhiti, would help facilitate the next step in the Treaty relationship, moving beyond the settlement of Treaty grievances into ‘‘what it means to work together in partnerships’’.

‘‘The name reflects feedback from the hui that Ma¯ ori should appear first in the relationship. Te Arawhiti refers to the transition phase we are in, that is ‘the bridge’ between Ma¯ori and the Crown.

‘‘Several other Government units and offices will be consolidated into the agency, including the Crown/ma¯ori Relations Unit, the Office of Treaty Settlements, the Marine and Coastal Area [Takutai Moana] Team and the Settlement Commitments Unit. The consolidation will bring a sharper focus and efficiency to the Government’s work with Ma¯ ori.’’

The new agency surfaced as one of several disagreements between Labour and NZ First recently, leading to speculation of coalition rifts.