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Te Atiawa claimants say a bill covering contested land in Waitara is a major compromise, but it's a way for the iwi and the community to move forward.
Te Atiawa decided not to purchase the land as part of its treaty settlement, but instead negotiated a solution with New Plymouth District Council .
The council will next week consider whether the proposed Waitara Lands Local Bill is ready to send out for consultation.
The bill will allow Waitara leaseholders to purchase the freehold title to their property as well as transfer some council-owned reserves and development sections to Te Atiawa.
Liana Poutu, the chair of Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa Trust, says it does not fully recognise or compensate for the fact the land confiscations of 1865 (including Waitara and the Pekapeka Block) were wrongful, unjust and in breach of the Treaty of Waitangi.
However, the trust understands the importance of looking forward.
Some of the sale proceeds and leasehold rentals will be invested in the Waitara community, with Te Atiawa having a say in how funds are spent.
Ms Poutu says Te Atiawa has been expected to make an immense compromise, and it hopes others are open to working with it so that the community can move forward together.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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