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The return of a Rotorua cultural icon – Taniwha Springs to Maori is but a formality following a landmark decision yesterday by a Lakes Council committee .
The council's Strategy, Policy and Finance committee voted unanimously to return the springs to ngati Rangiwewehi from whom they were taken under the Public Works Act in 1966 to provide water for the city
Ngati Rangiwewehi leaders say they can now go home and show their people the way forward is by working together and not being told what to do by the council.
Mayor Steve Chadwick described the decision to be ratified by full council at the end of the month as "profound" while Treaty Settlements Minister Chris Finlayson describes the return of the springs which Ngati Rangiwewehi have seen as their greatest grievance against the Crown as good news.
For Ngati Rangiwewehi the springs are the home of Taniwha Pukehaua and the place where the tribes life springs from.
The council will negotiate an agreement to continue taking water until other sources are found
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