Re: ‘Rena Decision: All about money' (The Weekend Sun, July 25). According to the report the Crown didn't consult with ‘local Maori' over deed settlements. Not strictly true.
In 2013 the Crown wrote to 20 ‘local Maori' groups inviting them to three consultation sessions from November 2013 in Wellington.

Few responses were received. The Crown intent to consult with ‘local Maori' was evident. It failed partly in this procedure by not sending reminders to the 20 groups because the few initial responses received stated they wouldn't attend unless travel and accommodation expenses were paid by the Crown. In this situation the two parties involved should ‘meet halfway'. Neither should expect the other to pay all expenses. ‘Local Maori' shot themselves in the foot, so have no cause for complaint.

Nowhere in the Treaty does it indicate the Crown must come running to them every time Maori demand. But talks about a partnership means there must be equal 'give and take” by both partners. Who paid for Waitangi Tribunal representatives to travel to Tauranga for the Rena hearing? Not ‘local Maori'.

R Bailey, Papamoa.