The Maori Party's leading Pakeha candidate has called for an end to political point-scoring at the expense of the Treaty of Waitangi.
List candidate Robert Consedine said criticism of the length of the claims process was unfair and short-sighted.
A veteran treaty campaigner and co-author of a best-selling book on
the subject, Mr Consedine, who is ranked sixth on the Maori Party list, blamed under-funding as one of the main causes of settlement delays.
He said setting arbitrary settlement deadlines was unrealistic and compromised a major aspect of the process - the opportunity for Maori to have their grievances heard.
"Telling of such stories is part of the healing, and that is part of the journey, but it can't be done fully if it's hurried."
The coming election has seen a bidding war erupt among the main political parties to set settlement deadlines.
Last week, Prime Minister Helen Clark said Labour would announce a cut-off date for the lodging of historical claims, and set a timeframe for negotiation and settlement.
New Zealand First wants claims lodged by 2010 and settled by 2015.
National has set the end of next year as the close-off, with settlement by 2010.
United Future wants a two-year deadline for lodging claims and five years for settlement.
The Maori Party has called for a review of the Waitangi Tribunal, the Office of Treaty Settlements and the current reforms to create an "equitable and durable" settlement process.
The office has previously estimated that between 50 and 60 claims remain outstanding.
A spokesman for the organisation said about three settlements were completed each year. The procedure usually took up to three years, from recognising tribal mandate, to negotiations and legislation completing the process.
TREATY SETTLEMENTS
Pre-negotiation
Ngati Apa ki Rangitikei, Ngati Tuwharetoa.
In negotiations
Te Arawa, Ngati Kahu ki Whangaroa, Moriori, Ngati Manawa, Ngati Whare, Wellington (Taranaki Whanui), Ngati Whatua o Orakei, Te Rarawa, Whanganui Iwi - Whanganui River, Ngati Kahu.
Awaiting settlement
Te Aupouri ($12 million), Te Roroa ($9.5 million), Te Ati Awa ($34 million), Rangitaane o Manawatu ($8.5 million).
Completed
At least 20 claims have been settled since 1989, including the $170 million fisheries deal. The Tainui agreement and the South Island Ngai Tahu claim were for similar amounts.
