Mike Butler: Treaty troughers revealed

A Crown Treaty negotiator has pocketed $1.5-million, another more than $1m and several others large six-figure sums according to information released in response to detailed questioning by New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson revealed that $5.5-million has been paid to 14 individuals since 2008, several of them former Cabinet ministers and MPs.

The highest earner was Michael Dreaver, director of Auckland consultancy firm The Policy Shop, who earned $1.5-million, for working on more than 20 settlements in the Auckland and Hauraki regions. His partner is TVNZ presenter Miriama Kamo, who is also a director of the company.

The full list of chosen ones sumptuously supping from the trough of treaty cash:

Rick Barker $48,660

Jim Bolger $29,912

Michael Dreaver $1.5m

Sir Wira Gardiner $85,710

Sir Doug Graham $186,901

John Isles $48,056

Tukoroirangi Morgan $439,085

Ross Philipson $1,095,214

Patsy Reddy $568,917

Pat Snedden $679,808

Paul Swain $272,879

Fran Wilde $98,062

James Willis $17,106

Information published in Treaty Transparency shows that the 2034 “grievances” that popped up once claims back to 1840 were allowed have little to do with historical injustice and a lot to do with the new found ability to squeeze cash out of the government by making a claim for it.

Full and final settlements were paid during the 1940s and 1950s, with Ngai Tahu being able to squeeze five “full and final” settlements out of successive governments since 1868.

Source: Treaty cases earn top dollar for 'top http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8314679/Treaty-cases-earn-top-dollar-for-top-team