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It has come as huge shock to many people in Te Tai Tonga of the sudden passing of Monte Ohia, Maori Party candidate for Te Tai Tonga last Thursday. 

Monte was a person of great integrity and humility. He will be remembered for his strong commitment and passion in the promotion of Maori education and the revitalisation of our language. I am deeply saddened by his passing. 

2008 has been a time of remembrance and pay tribute, albeit a belated tribute, to all those who answered their country's call. Tribute 08 was a moving experience with The Prime Minister Helen Clark formally acknowledging the dedicated service of New Zealand personal deployed during the Viet Nam War. 

The apology of the Crown is also the anchor in all Treaty of Waitangi Settlements. It acknowledges the wrong, and apologising for it allows for the development of the relationship between the Crown and Maori. 

Under the stewardship and mana of Dr Michael Cullen excellent progress is being made on settlements that will last, as well as moving assets back into Maori ownership. 

This year alone Terms of Negotiations has been signed with Ngati Makino, Waitaha and Ngati Whatua o Kaipara. Ngati Pahauwera o Te Arawa signed their revised Deed of Settlement last Wednesday.  This builds on the progress made in 2007 with six Agreements in Principle.  

Iwi are consulting with their members, settlements are turning into new business opportunities and iwi are able to provide services for their people. 

It's the shared responsibility to address treaty issues by the Crown and invest in the future of Maori and the momentum is building. It is a busy and exciting time for all involved and it is a dynamic phase for Crown-Maori relationships in New Zealand.

Budget 2008 boosts funding to further accelerate the treaty settlements process, with significant progress being made on the Waikato River, Port Nicholson, and Central North Island forestry claims. 

As well as the positive treaty settlement progress, Ngati Porou and Te Whanau a Apanui signed the land mark Heads of Agreement on their foreshore and seabed in February 08.  Last week Te Rarawa signed their Terms of Negotiations under the Foreshore and Seabed Act.  

The agreements recognise and protect the interests and mana of iwi in regard to the foreshore and seabed in their rohe. Public access to the foreshore and seabed is still and will always be protected.  

We made a commitment to protect Maori ancestral associations and mana to the foreshore and seabed. The Agreements with iwi demonstrates we are honouring that commitment.

Labour is steadfast in its commitment to advance New Zealand, and we will continue to ensure that Maori advancement continues.

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