May 12, 2022
Wairarapa settlement passes first reading
Legislation settling claims from Dannevirke to Lake Wairarapa has passed its first reading at Parliament.
Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little says it marks the beginning of a new relationship between the Crown and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-ā-Rua based on true partnership, trust, and respect.
The historical grievances of Ngāti Kahungunu against the Crown include the forced cession of tens of thousands of acres of land at Maungaroa in 1845 as well as the failure to act in good faith during rapid and extensive land purchases throughout the 1850s and in later public works takings.
The Crown also failed to honour the gifting of Wairarapa Moana with the promised reserves.
The settlement includes an apology, $115 million in financial and commercial redress including the opportunity to purchase 70 per cent of the Ngāumu Forest Crown Forest licensed land and 28 commercial sites from the Treaty Settlements Landbank and Ministry of Education.
Cultural redress includes the vesting of 27 sites of cultural significance and 30 place name changes that acknowledge iwi association with sites in their rohe.