The ODT seems to have given the Waitangi Tribunal’s report on Wai 262 (the ‘Flora and Fauna Claim’) as much attention as media commentators in general think it warrants – none. I guess time and culture have moved on since the claim was lodged 20 years ago. However, the claim has at its core some important principles, and it will be interesting to see how the government of the day deals with it after the election. In the meantime both Maori and Pakeha will have to continue to exercise patience before we all find out if the Tribunal’s report will have any influence on the politicians, let alone on how New Zealanders view the value and management of indigenous species in the future.
Ralph Allen
