It resolves historic claims regarding Crown actions in the Waikaremoana district, minister says
The Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Claims Settlement Bill has passed its final reading in Parliament, resolving historic claims between the Crown and Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana.
The bill effects the Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Deed of Settlement signed on 25 February. Treaty negotiations minister Paul Goldsmith made the announcement yesterday 3 September.
The passage of the legislation “marks an important milestone for Ngāti Ruapani and their longstanding connection to Waikaremoana and Te Urewera”, he said.
“This settlement resolves historical claims relating to Crown actions in the Waikaremoana district, including the use of a scorched earth policy against Ngāti Ruapani kāinga, the acquisition of four southern blocks under threat of confiscation and the use of aggressive tactics to acquire the Waikaremoana block”, Goldsmith said in a media release.
Under the settlement’s redress package, about 12,000 hectares will be added to Te Urewera. Several cultural redress properties will be returned as well.
The settlement also includes a $24m financial and commercial redress package. Goldsmith said the bill “recognises the enduring aspiration of Ngāti Ruapani for their uri to return home, and the deep responsibility they hold as kaitiaki of Waikaremoana, supporting their vision for future prosperity, cultural revitalisation, and the shared stewardship of Te Urewera”.
“We recognise the historical grievances suffered by Ngāti Ruapani, and acknowledge the generations of uri who have worked to secure today’s outcome”, the minister said. “We hope this lays the foundation for future economic, cultural and social development while strengthening the iwi connection to their ancestral lands”.
Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana is centred around Lake Waikaremoana in the central North Island. The deed of settlement was signed in Tūwai, which is situated near the lake’s shores.
The claims dated back to 1866, according to RNZ. Negotiations took place over six years.
“This settlement provides a foundation for the hapū of Waikaremoana, alongside other Tūhoe hapū, to restore their presence and strengthen their communities”, said Kara Puketapu-Dentice, Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana chair, after the settlement’s signing in a statement published by RNZ. “We have much to rebuild over the generations ahead. This settlement enables us to focus on restoring our relationship with our whenua, supporting our whānau, and ensuring that Waikaremoana continues to sustain future generations”.
The Ngāti Hāua Claims Settlement Bill was also passed earlier this year.
