October 24, 2012
Ngāi Takoto signing on double rainbow
Ngāi Takoto signs its treaty settlement on Saturday, more than 25 years since the Waitangi Tribunal started hearing the Muriwhenua claims.
Divisions after the release of the tribunal's report held up progress for more than a decade, but four of the five Far North iwi are now close to settling.
Chair Mangu Awarau says the choice of Te Kura Kaupapa ō Rangi Aniwaniwa as the venue is significant, as the maunga it stands on is the site of the last battle between Te Aupouri and Ngāti Kahu.
"After that battle a double rainbow appeared. When we see the double rainbow, we know that to move forward we have to be united so it is significant we are signing this Deed of Settlement with the crown on that mountain, Te Rangi Aniwaniwa," he says.
Neighbouring iwi Te Rarawa will also be signing its deed this weekend, after the Waitangi Tribunal ruled out a request by Te Runanga ō Ngāti Kahu for an urgent hearing into the other Muriwhenua settlements.
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd