August 22, 2021
Cullen remembered for negotiating prowess
The late Sir Michael Cullen is being remembered for the skills and understanding he brought to treaty negotiations.
Former Labour deputy prime minister, finance and treaty negotiations minister died last week of cancer.
Taranaki Whānui elder Neville Baker was part of the team which negotiated the Port Nicholson Block settlement with Dr Cullen.
He says the academic turned politician made sure he understood the complexities of the claim, but he also had the common touch.
“He made sure he understood fully what the circumstances were of the respective negotiations we were involved in and he made sure he involved everyone in the discussions if he didn’t understand something he would go away and find out. He was well informed by the time we got to the negotiation table,” Mr Baker says.
Sir Michael continued his involvement with treaty settlements after leaving parliament, helping iwi including Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāi Tūhoe as a negotiator or advisor.
Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāi Tūhoe are holding an online karakia for Sir Michael Cullen at 6 pm this evening.
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