Nats to ease Treaty claim deadline

Don Brash used a peaceful appearance at Waitangi yesterday to dial back National's proposed deadlines for settling Treaty claims - but denied it showed a softening of the party's stance on racial issues.

The Opposition leader told an audience at Te Tii Marae that National remained committed to the speedy settlement of grievances but after losing the election had to acknowledge its deadlines were no longer achievable.

Dr Brash would not be drawn yesterday on what the new deadlines would be, saying National MPs would decide at their three-day caucus retreat next week.

But he admitted that regardless of the election result, the original deadlines would have been "a hell of a challenge".

Labour has committed to a deadline of 2008 for lodging historical treaty claims and 2020 as a target for settling all grievances.

Flanked by local MPs John Carter and Phil Heatley and list MP Paula Bennett, and watched by a small crowd that included self-styled Maori Government prime minister Sue Nikora, Dr Brash was welcomed into the meeting house by Labour MP Shane Jones.

Organisers invited him to attend two days before the formal celebrations to avoid a repeat of 2004's incendiary appearance, when he was pelted with mud.

Marae spokesman Kingi Taurua said that with tensions still running high from the passing of the Foreshore and Seabed Act, he was prepared for conflict this year but was pleasantly surprised by the tranquil atmosphere. "Usually on the first day we can smell the problems ... but we can't smell anything today."

Last year's celebrations were also comparatively calm, although Dr Brash had to endure the "photo opportunity from hell" when he was sandwiched between Tame Iti and Brian Tamaki.

But the National leader's early appearance this year drew criticism from long-time Waitangi Day activist and new Maori Party MP Hone Harawira, who slated him for dodging tomorrow's commemorations.

"People who pretend to power need to front at the good times and the not-so-good times," he said.

Dr Brash took the opportunity for a swipe at Prime Minister Helen Clark, who will arrive in Waitangi today but will not visit the lower marae.

"I'm disappointed that she hasn't come, frankly," he said. "I think it is important that politicians do turn up to occasions like this."

National's election policy was for all historical Treaty claims to be lodged by this year, with final settlements occurring by 2010.

Speaking before his annual Orewa speech last month, Dr Brash said National needed to reaffirm its race relations policies "in a way that does not make us anti-Maori".

- HERALD ON SUNDAY