Former Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister, Chris Finlayson. August 22, 2022.
[Please note change of date to August 22]
Government proposals for Three Waters and health sector reforms have sparked alarm among some about what co-governance might mean for them and the country. But are these proposed reforms actually co-governance? And if so, is it really that scary?
At our first Catalyst Conversation for 2022, former National Party Treaty Negotiation Minister and Attorney General Chris Finlayson will background the evolution of co-governance as a constitutional principle, what it entails and where it might lead us.
“Some people have been busy lately stirring up public alarm over the supposed threat posed by co-governance, seemingly unaware that we are already doing it without the sky having fallen on us.”
Some people confuse co-governance with co-government, he says. Those frightened by power-sharing think they’ll be locked out of access to our natural resources, “when what it really means is that involving iwi in a myriad of decisions can actually result in a better country”.
He says nine years as Treaty Minister taught him a lot. “Once you’ve read the factual concessions by the Crown, read the apologies, you can begin to realise the wrongs that have been committed.”
He is keen to lead Catalyst Trust’s discussion of this hornet’s nest to help trigger “a sensible conversation about the substance of power-sharing”. We look forward to hearing more and a robust, polite discussion…
Wednesday, August 22, 6 – 730 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel’s Remarkables Room. Registration required here to ensure your seat. Please bring cash for your koha, which will be given to Happiness House. Masks must be worn throughout this Catalyst Conversation.