16 July 2002 Media Release 2

Highlights 2001/2002

Gisborne and northern South Island Casebooks Completed

Progress in the Treaty settlement environment can be measured by means other than actual settlements, as has been proven on the East Coast and in the northern South Island this year.

The Trust finished two huge research projects in preparation for Waitangi Tribunal hearings for Gisborne and Te Tau Ihu (northern South Island) claimant groups during the year.  A key feature of the research for both regions was forward planning - identifying the research needs of the entire regions, then conducting as much research as possible as a single project.

This information could then be used by different claimant groups.

“The CFRT research team has produced work of the highest standard, in very trying circumstances. This has been complemented by astute management of funding release and laudable patience and persistence of Trust staff in guiding claimants through the new, collective approach,” says a facilitator for the Gisborne claims, Tu Wyllie.