August 08, 2016
Settlement puts Rangitane back in the map
Rangitane negotiators say signing a settlement with the crown will be a day they will tell their mokopuna about.
The deed of settlement between Rangitane o Wairarapa, Rangitane o Tamaki nui-a-Rua and the crown was signed at Makirikiri Marae in Dannevirke on Saturday.
Negotiator Mavis Mullins says future generations of Rangitane will have no doubt as to who they are and where they have come from.
Geographically it’s one of the largest settlements, covering the iwi’s interested from Makaramu north of Dannevirke to Turakirae-Cape Palliser.
It includes financial redress of $32.5 million, the return of key cultural sites, and the opportunity to purchase commercial properties including part of Ngaumu Forest.
Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre Reserve and Scenic Reserve will be returned to the iwi and then gifted back to the Crown and the people of New Zealand.
Kaumatua Manahi Paewai says being formally acknowledged by the Crown as tangata whenua of the region empowers the iwi and enhances its mana.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson said Rangitane was left virtually landless as a result of Crown actions and omissions, and the iwi struggled to maintain its distinct identity, customary knowledge and language.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com