Chris Finlayson MP

NEWSLETTER, Issue 6, August 2013

Welcome to my sixth

newsletter of the year.

July was yet another busy month for me as I had to honour of representing New Zealand
Appearing on behalf of New Zealand at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on 8 July

in

front

of

the

International Court of Justice, signed a deed of settlement with Ngti Haua, and visited the children at Mt Cook School.

New Zealand in the International Court of Justice

On 8 July I appeared on behalf of New Zealand in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) whaling case brought by Australia against Japan. The Australian Government began its claim against Japanese whaling in May 2010 questioning the validity of Japans scientific whaling programme in the Southern Ocean. The New Zealand Government asked the ICJ to intervene in the case in February 2013. As a member of the International Whaling Commission, New Zealand has an interest in ensuring the Whaling Convention is properly interpreted and applied. I was asked to represent New Zealand in the ICJ, in The Hague, Netherlands, and argued that the treatys purpose was not to protect commercial whaling. Instead, the Whaling Convention calls for countries to conserve and develop whaling stocks. This is only the third time New Zealand has stood in front of the ICJ with our first and second cases concerning nuclear testing by
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France in the Southern Ocean in 1973 and 1995. It was truly a one-off experience and a real honour to represent my country. Click here to watch the video of my presentation in front of the ICJ. On 13 July I went to visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. I also visited the Rijksmuseum. I am very keen to see links established between the museum in Amsterdam and Te Papa. After my stay in the Netherlands, I had meetings in London with the Attorney-General for England and Wales, Solicitor-General and Treasury Solicitor in order to discuss Government legal services. I was also really pleased to catch up with Robert and Pat Alston. Robert was the High Commissioner for the UK and New Zealand from 1995-1998 and since his departure has maintained a very close relationship with New Zealand. He his keen to help with WWI commemorations.

Hon Christopher Finlayson MP National Party List MP

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

August 2013 Issue 6 Chris Finlayson MP

Deed of Settlement Signed with Ngti Haua

The Crown has signed a deed of settlement for all outstanding historical Treaty claims with Ngti Haua at Rukumoana Marae, near Morrinsville on 18 July. The actions of the Crown after 1840 caused enduring harm to Ngti Haua and today they are virtually landless. It is not possible to fully compensate for the wrongs of the past. This settlement forges a new relationship between the Crown and Ngti Haua. It will also bring economic benefits to the iwi and the wider community. The government is committed to resolving all historical treaty grievances in a just, durable and time way. We are now over half way through completing all historical Treaty claims and are focused on maintaining this momentum. This is the seventh deed of settlement signed this year and the House of Representatives sat through extended hours on 1 August to unanimously pass three bills of settlement of historical Treaty claims through their first reading. The Maungaharuru-Tangitu Hap Claims Settlement Bill, Ng Mana Whenua o Tmaki Makaurau Claims Settlement Bill, and the Ng Punawai o Te Tokotoru Claims Settlement Bill have now been referred to the Mori Affairs select committee.

At Rukumoana Marae on 18 July signing a deed of settlement with Ngti Haua

Work Continues on Memorial Park

Work towards the National War Memorial is progressing well and is on target for the opening to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings on 25 April 2015. When driving through Buckle Street you will be able to see the trench, above which the National War Memorial Park will be developed. The park will provide people with a place for a peaceful environment for quiet contemplation and commemorating New Zealands military history. By moving State Highway 1 underground it avoids the pitfalls of earlier concepts such as the road running next to the neighbouring primary school playground, and through the park itself, creating a safer place for children to play on. Although the design errors inherited by this government meant the start of construction was delayed, we are now well on track for the opening date of ANZAC Day 2015. Just before I left for The Hague I visited Mt Cook School which has released a book for the students on Memorial Park. The school is wonderful and they are very excited to see the park completed. I never tire of driving past the progress being made on the roads by the War Memorial. This is the centre piece of the Governments commemorations of the centenary of the First World War.
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At the release of the Right Beside Our School book detailing the work on Memorial Park for the students of Mount Cook School (Photo courtesy of Mt Cook School)

August 2013 Issue 6 Chris Finlayson MP

Bowen House Office: Private Bag 18041 Parliament Buildings Wellington 6160 New Zealand Phone: (04) 817 6808 Electorate Office: Level 7, Quinovic House 32-34 Kent Terrace Mount Victoria Wellington 6011 Phone: (04) 801 6130 E-Mail: christopher.finlayson@parlia ment.govt.nz Website: www.chrisfinlayson.co.nz Facebook:

$30 Million to Fund Community Projects.

The lotteries have had a bumper 2013 with Internal Affairs Minister and Presiding Member of the Lottery Grants Board Chris Tremain announcing the very good news on 17 July that $30 million dollars has been allocated to the Lottery Boards Significant Projects Fund. This is a fund that delivers real benefits to New Zealand communities. Thirty million dollars is a considerable commitment and I am confident this funding will make a big difference across the country, enabling large and important community projects to be completed, says Mr Tremain. The Significant Projects Fund has previously supported a number of iconic projects across New Zealand: Auckland Zoo Charitable Trust received a grant of $2,694,000 to develop Te Wao Nui; a unique set of habitats allowing visitors to explore the animals, plants and culture of New Zealand The Carter Observatory Trust in Wellington received a grant of $698,412 towards a major refurbishment project to provide an improved educational facility. The Methven Heritage Association received $1,901,594 towards the redevelopment of Mount Hutt Memorial Hall to create an interactive exhibition of snowsports history and culture, and an agricultural education centre named New Zealands Alpine and Agriculture Encount er Ngai Tahu Mori Rock Art Charitable Trust near Timaru received $594,852 towards the Mori Rock Art Centre. A grant of $6 million was awarded to enable the construction of the Q Theatre in Auckland. The Significant Projects Fund will be open to accept applications in late 2013 and it is anticipated that funding decisions will be made towards the middle of 2014. Information on the fund will be made available on www.communitymatters.govt.nz.

/CFFinlayson
Twitter:

@chrisfinlayson

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

Work continuing on Memorial Park (Photo courtesy of Mt Cook School)

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