For a change, Mayor Crosby has got it correct on confidentiality (secrecy) regarding negotiations on local Maori Treaty of Waitangi settlement claims, etc. for the Western Bay of Plenty area.
What is there to hide? Tauranga Council should simply have refused to participate in the negotiations or discussions if Tauranga citizens are not to be kept informed because that is what breeds suspicion and contempt for pre-determined outcomes and rightly so. Unfortunately, in all Maori settlements, the public are effectively sidelined. The contest is between the punch-drunk Crown and the Maori vested interests although effectively funded by the NZ taxpayer. Even if the public were let into the settlement loop, they would always be meeting their own costs personally – is that fair or honest process?
It is a pity that Mayor Crosby and most of his Council don't show the same appetite for transparency and openness when it comes to TCC Council business. Look in the mirror because there is very little difference between what is wrong with hiding Maori issues and hiding Council business.

S Paterson, Arataki.