December 20, 2012
Maunga shares in Ngāti Koroki settlement
Waikato River iwi Ngāti Koroki Kahukura have signed a settlement of their historic claims – but they have had to compromise about the status of their sacred mountain.
Negotiator Willie Te Aho says today’s ceremony at Maungatautari Marae today was a long time coming.
The process was complicated by a campaign by some Pakeha landowners backed by investor Gareth Morgan to block transfer of Maungatautari to the iwi, including threats to sabotage efforts to turn it into an ecological island.
As a consequence, the fee simple to Maungatautari Mountain Scenic Reserve will be held by a trust representing not just the iwi but the wider community connected with Maungatautari.
Cultural redress also includes the return of more than a dozen properties, reserves and an urupa, as well as acknowledgement of the iwi’s relationship with the Waikato River from Arapuni to Karapiro.
Commercial redress was set at $3 million, including Pukeatua School, which will be leased back to the Crown.
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