$34,000,000 not much if you say it quickly. However, the money had to come from somewhere; who paid the 140 year outstanding bill? I'm certain I don't owe anybody anything and have spent my working and retirement years keeping my accounts up to date.
Mistakes were made 140 years ago. History is full of them. In this land terrible things were done and are again on the increase.
As far as killing is concerned, the only thing the 'pakeha” [par rat] did was increase the rate and speed of killing by the use of firearms. At least we didn't eat each other or sell our enemies preserved and shrunken heads. In fact I'm sure ultimately we've helped those we signed a treaty with – doctors, hospitals, roads, permanent houses, clothing for all seasons, tools, both gardening and industrial, electricity, water supply, meat of all varieties, nutritious foods, social security etc.
Would Maoris care to live 140 years ago? We've inter-married to such an extent that there isn't a pure blooded Maori left. They're getting lighter, we're getting darker.
I lived in a predominantly Maori district for years and I know they were very glad we did because they sadly couldn't trust each other.
Missionaries brought the Good News, to love one another, even your enemy. The Christian message is a message of reconciliation and hope, forgiveness and helping those in need. If a group of people in Tauranga were in any greater need than their neighbour, then they deserved that colossal aid.
It's time certain people in authority woke up to what is fair and honest. Somebody has to pay. However they are on such colossal salaries themselves and someone has to pay them. I don't think they have a clue.

Richard Upton, Katikati.