Minister for Crown/Maori relations visiting Rotorua

Minister for Crown/Maori relations Kelvin Davis spoke at the Federation of Maori Authorities National Conference in Rotorua last year. Photo/File

MP Kelvin Davis is stopping by Rotorua this weekend to ask local iwi what the future relationship between Maori and the Crown should look like.

Davis, New Zealand's first Minister for Crown/Maori Relations, is holding a public hui about the relationship between Maori and the Crown once all historical Treaty claims are settled.

The hui is on Sundayat Te Papaiouru Marae from 11am.

Davis said it was a conversation he had never had before.

"Although I may be a Maori MP and minister, I'm not presuming I know everything and can speak for everyone.

"At the Land War Commemoration in Northland last month, I was reminded of the relationship local iwi Ngapuhi had with the Crown 173 years ago, it was a relationship which started on the battlefield.

"Today, although we no longer head into battle with muskets or arms, we still spend much of our time fighting in the courts, in front of the Waitangi Tribunal or marching on the streets."

Davis said now was the time to start talking about the future.

"For the last 178 years, too often the Crown has told Maori what their relationship is. As the first Minister of Crown/Maori Relations I'm not taking that approach.

"If there is to be a genuine, two-way relationship it means both parties have a right to speak and both have to listen.

"No one's view is the same. And it's been a real eye opener," Davis said.

"The settlement of historical Treaty claims is coming to an end and Maori and the Crown need to start thinking about what a Crown/Maori relationship looks like once we leave the negotiating table."

That is what sparked a series of hui across New Zealand.

"To listen to our kaumatua, to rangatahi, to business, wananga, iwi, hapu, kura, to everyone and anyone that wants to share their thoughts and ideas and who wants to listen to the ideas of others," Davis said.

Ngati Whakaue kaumatua Monty Morrison said it was an important process for Maori and the Crown to go through.

"I'm thrilled he's coming here to begin that conversation.

"This isn't only for Ngati Whakaue but for all of Te Arawa to be part of."

Morrison said it was a hui people should try to attend.

"I would encourage all people to attend, we're not going to know what the Government has to say if we're not there to listen."

Waiariki MP Tamati Coffey said the hui was innovative.

"It's a very new portfolio and it's good to see he's still open to being told by people how that role should go."

Those who can't make it to the hui can provide written feedback through the Ministry of Justice website, or by post to Freepost Authority 254825, Crown Maori Relations, PO Box 180, Wellington.