Too much importance has been attached to the financial side of the Treaty process. Much bigger gains are to be had from reducing the Maori Unemployment rate and improving Maori wages and salaries. What has to happen to achieve that is straightforward, though doing it will take at least a generation.
Aspirational levels have to be raised among the 'non-performing component” of Maoridom. For children to achieve at school their parents have to be convinced of the benefits of providing a stable environment, positive role models and disciplined learning habits.
I doubt the government can achieve much by writing out cheques, but it is vital that the government, schools and families get their institutional arrangements right. The lesson for Maoridom is to put its efforts into building up its human capital rather than focusing on Treaty settlements. It is so damn obvious that it's almost embarrassing to have to mention it.

Bob Grant, Bethlehem.