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A Waitara hapū is putting a brave face on a new law that ends forever the dream of restoring all the tribal estate.
The New Plymouth District Council (Waitara Lands) Bill which passed its third reading in Parliament on Wednesday will allow lessees in the Taranaki town to freehold their sections at market rates.
It also provides for the return of some land to hapū and the establishment of joint committees with the New Plymouth District and Taranaki Regional councils which will determine how proceeds for the sales will be spent for the benefit of the town and the Waitara River.
The leasehold land is what remains of the Pekapeka Block, which was confiscated after its purported sale triggered the first Taranaki War in 1860.
Manukorihi hapū chair Patsy Bodger says the confiscation of their tūrangawaewae left a negative mark on generations of Manukōrihi uri.
She says the bill is an opportunity to establish a positive foundation to build on for the future of the hapū and the people of Waitara.
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