Guinness Gallagher was engaged by the New Zealand Government to assist in its negotiations with the Tainui Iwi. This was the first major settlement with one of the indigenous tribes of New Zealand under the Treaty of Waitangi. As commercial negotiators in the Tainui settlement, Guinness Gallagher assisted the Crown to develop the Treaty negotiation framework, the principles for negotiation, and the asset valuation methodologies used for subsequent settlements. As a result of our involvement, Guinness Gallagher developed an understanding of the commercial and business imperatives of the Crown and its departments in its negotiations with Maori. We have subsequently further developed our understanding of the Maori drivers in the settlement process having advised the Whakatohea people in securing their settlement offer from the Crown.
		This process demonstrates Guinness Gallagher's expertise in providing the interface between Maori, government and corporate groups, understanding the needs and drivers of each.