Report on Ministerial accommodation expenses - timetable
Report on P precursor drug pseudoephedrine - timetable
Alan Bollard reports on economic recovery
ETS select committee report released today - range of views expressed, negotiations continue
Major activities over the coming week
Upcoming agenda for the House when it sits next week

Questions from the media

1. On ETS and points of negotiation
2. On the mining-related stocktake of DOC land
3. On the possibility of Honours for Nancy Wake
4. On the role of the SAS in Afghanistan

Prime Minister John Key today formally delivered the Crown's apology to Affiliate Te Arawa iwi and hapū for breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The apology was given at Owhata Marae in Rotorua, at a ceremony hosted by Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa, a collective of 11 Affiliate Te Arawa iwi and hapū.

Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa represents around 24,000 iwi and hapū members, with an interest covering over 500,000 hectares in and around the Rotorua region. The formal apology is a key part of the Affiliate Te Arawa Iwi/Hapū Treaty settlement with the Crown.

Mr Key delivered the apology on behalf of the Crown for past dealings that breached the Crown's obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.

"These were the failure to adequately protect tribal structures following the impact of the native land laws, the failure to actively protect the interests of Affiliate Te Arawa when purchasing land, and the failure to ensure that some iwi and hapū were left with sufficient land for their present and future needs."

Mr Key says it is an important part of the settlement process for the Crown to acknowledge and apologise for historic treaty breaches.

The Prime Minister congratulated iwi and hapū leaders for their efforts in achieving this lasting settlement and also acknowledged their crucial role in the Central North Island Forest Collective settlement, which was one of the largest in the country's history.

"Affiliate Te Arawa and the Crown can now look forward to building the future, having settled the past."

The settlement of these claims adds further momentum to the Government's 2014 target for the settlement of all historic Treaty of Waitangi claims.

Prime Minister John Key and Minister of Youth Affairs Paula Bennett have today announced funding for the Spirit of Adventure Trust and urged other New Zealanders to get behind the Kiwi icon as well.

The Trust has been guaranteed funding of $250,000 a year for the next three years in order to carry out critical maintenance.

“The Spirit of New Zealand is a familiar sight in New Zealand waters,” says Mr Key. “Every year over 1,000 young Kiwis set sail on a journey that will change their lives forever.”

Paula Bennett says the Government is right behind the programmes like those offered by the Spirit of Adventure Trust, but she acknowledges the Trust will need ongoing support from the wider community to continue its work.

“We know the extra government funding will help young New Zealanders continue to enjoy the challenges offered by the Spirit of Adventure experience and we hope this will encourage others to contribute to this worthy cause.”

The Spirit of New Zealand sails 340 days per year, and organises its sailing schedule two years ahead.

“In a time when too many young people are lacking direction, programmes like those offered by the Spirit of Adventure help keep our kids on track,” says John Key. 

“This funding will help the Trust and its 200 volunteers continue to make a real difference in the lives of young New Zealanders.”

26 August. John talks about his recently completed State visit to Australia, upcoming international travel and recently announced initiatives for young New Zealanders.