August 31, 2012
Framework for Whanganui River settlement agreed
The Government has signed a framework agreement for settling the 139 year old claim to the Whanganui River.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson says Whanganui Iwi have not sought to have their relationship with the river defined in terms of ownership of the riverbed or water, but have focused on recognising the mana of the river from which the iwi’s mana flows, and on its future health and wellbeing.
He says the deal will recognise the status of the river as Te Awa Tupua, an integrated, living whole from the mountains to sea, and appoint river guardians representing Crown and Maori interests.
The rights of third parties including private landowners and public access will continue.
The deal just days before the Government is due to release its response to the Waitangi Tribunal’s report on water claims.
It indicates the Crown intends to fight a possible Maori Council court challenge to its asset sales timetable by arguing that progress is being made to settle Maori water rights claims.