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South Taranaki iwi Ngaruahine is developing new services to help its marae and people share in its treaty settlement.
Will Edwards, the chair of post-settlement Te Korowai o Ngaruahine Trust, says there was a positive response to the plans unveiled at its AGM last weekend, including taking a a coordinated approach to doing up the iwi’s eight marae so they can benefit from bulk purchasing.
He says in the two years since signing its $67 million settlement the trust has grown its asset base by $10 million, and members want to see a return.
"People rightfully are calling, saying we've been waiting generations for this, that putea is in our control, we need that investment in our marae, and we hear that loud and clear. A lot of post-settlement governance entities will know that tension between wanting to immediately distribute and get money out there and the inter-generational responsibility of growing the putea," Mr Edwards says.
Ngaruahine is also using its relationship with banks and financial services companies to give its people access to discounted mortgages, lower banking fees and hassle free insurance.
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