Treaty Settlements Minister Chris Finlayson has hit back at criticism of former politicians being used in treaty negotiations.
Using information he received under the Official Information Act New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has criticised more than a million dollars being paid to former ministers to help in the settlement process however Mr Finlayson says it's money well spent.
He says for example three former Labour cabinet ministers Fran Wilde, Paul Swain and Rick Barker have worked on three bills being presented to the House today including those for the Ngaruahine and Ngati Hineuru settlements.
Mr Finlayson also praised the work of former National cabinet minister Sir Douglas Graham on the Ngati Whatua o Orakei settlement.
Meanwhile Mr Finlayson has rejected suggestions that Ngapuhi could receive around $600 million in treaty settlement money telling a hui in the north at the weekend that pigs will fly.
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