July 26, 2018
Little breaks Hauraki impasse
Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little has initialed the Marutūahu Iwi Collective Redress Deed and is ready to sign the Pare Hauraki Collective Redress Deed.
The decision follows months of opposition from Tauranga Moana iwi Ngai Te Rangi and Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei, who say the settlements includes properties in their tribal heartlands.
Mr Little says there will still be outstanding issues between iwi and he expect all parties to use the period ahead to engage in tikanga-based processes to deal with these issues.
Marutuahu can now moved to the ratification stage.
He says initialling the Marutūahu Deed shows a commitment from both parties, although it is not binding until ratified and signed by the Crown and Marutūahu iwi.
The Pare Hauraki Deed was initialled in December 2016, and will be signed with some amendments reached after consultaion with iwi.
Mr Little says the Waitangi Tribunal found Hauraki had interests in Tauranga Moana in the Te Puna – Katikati blocks, and agreements were reached in good faith between the Pare Hauraki Collective and Tauranga Moana iwi between 2012 and 2014.
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