This is the second in a series of conversations with a few old friends and colleagues in the treaty sector to raise awareness of the kinds of issues, challenges and opportunities faced in that world. And really just to shine some light (māramatanga) on what goes on “on the inside” of the process – whether Waitangi Tribunal or treaty settlement negotiations.

I had the privilege of speaking with Tīpene (Steven) Chrisp, who sat across the negotiating table when I was working as an historian at the Office of Treaty Settlements (now part of Te Arawhiti). Besides being an historian and an experienced public servant, Tīpene is also a registered translator of te reo Māori.

I am grateful to Tīpene for sharing his story, his honest reflections on his experiences of the treaty settlement process, and some acute and profound insights on the significance of settlements for Aotearoa NZ.