SOME of the many who travelled to parliament on Wednesday to witness the final reading.
THE Maniapoto Claims Settlement Bill has passed its final milestone in an historical Treaty of Waitangi settlement process – the third reading of the bill. The settlement package provides Maniapoto with financial and commercial redress of $165 million, returns 36 sites of cultural significance and provides for relationship instruments with key Crown agencies. It also includes an acknowledgement and apology by the Crown for its historical breaches of the Treaty towards Maniapoto. Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little described the reading as a momentous occasion which was only possible due to the “determination and dedication” of all involved in the negotiations. “Maniapoto’s historical grievances relate to loss of life in conflicts with the Crown and bearing the costs of the New Zealand Wars,” Andrew Little said. “The Crown deliberately undermined Maniapoto independence, failed to uphold Ōhākī Tapu agreements made in the 1880s relating to Maniapoto land administration and self-determination, and acquired Maniapoto land in an aggressive manner.” On the basis of the agreements in 1885, Maniapoto lifted the aukati (prohibition) over their land and gifted the taiaha, Maungārongo, to Parliament as a symbol of peace to mark the occasion. The aukati had prevented the practical exercise of state authority since the Waikato Wars but when it was lifted, Crown purchasing rapidly led to Maniapoto losing vast amounts of land. The taiaha has since been held by the Otago Museum. Today’s ceremony included the return of the taiaha, Maungārongo, to Parliament – provided on loan by Maniapoto for five years as a gesture of commitment to a renewed relationship. “Today marks a new beginning in realising the promises made to Maniapoto, and it is my sincere hope that this settlement and new partnership based on mutual trust, respect and co-operation will provide for the future wellbeing and prosperity of Maniapoto,” Andrew Little said. “The Deed of Settlement was signed in November 2021 during Covid-19 restrictions, when we were not able to meet kanohi ki te kanohi. I look forward to visiting Maniapoto in their rohe for the delivery of the Crown apology later this year.”
