Tribes endorse treaty settlement

Central North Island tribes Uenuku, Tamakana and Tamahaki have “resoundingly” endorsed the Crown’s offer of settlement regarding several historic Te Tiriti o Waitangi claims – with a total package of $30 million.

The uri (descendents) collectively known as Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, voted on the offer last month.

Results released on Monday showed over 95% of voting tribe members were in favour.

Trustees were now authorised to sign the deed of settlement.

The voter return target of 30% was met: of a possible 1896 voters, 592 cast votes, mainly online.

The Crown package includes $6.8 million for cultural redress, $21.7 million plus interest for financial redress, and the rights to purchase land in the Erua Crown Forest.  

Uenuku iwi spokesperson Aiden Gilbert recognised the people’s commitment during the long process of carrying te rākau o te whakawā – the taiaha of justice.

“I would like to acknowledge those who came before me, who are not here to see the fulfillment of their dreams and aspirations.”

He said the cultural package would go towards the iwi’s language and development priorities.

One aspect of the settlement was the cultural revitalisation fund of $6.85 million: intended to support the reo and tikanga, as well as marae and hapu development.

They would not try to reinvent the wheel, Aiden said.

“But ... after 182 years since the treaty, we’re now in a place where we can add value [in terms of supporting our people in the reo].

“I’m not sure it’s all monetary terms, but add value in terms of saying we are the people at place and this is the value that we hold to our reo, given that it’s been starved in this area.

“It’s been a long journey.”

The agreement, Te Tihi o te Rae, includes the Crown’s acknowledgement of numerous breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, an agreed historical account and an apology from the Crown for those breaches.

The deed will be signed by trustees at Raetihi marae on Saturday, June 29.

“Uenuku would like to acknowledge the enormous amount of work that has been achieved by mana whenua and the government to get us to this point.”