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Three small central North Island tribes have initialled a joint deed of settlement for their historic claims.
Te Korowai o Wainuiārua chair Aiden Gilbert says the initialling signals a new start for Tamakana, Tamahaki and Uenuku.
The next step is whānau ratification and endorsement.
He says it’s important the tribes have been acknowledged, after being labelled Hauhau rebels and ostracised by government.
Along with an apology from the Crown and financial and commercial redress, the settlement includes cultural redress totalling 19 sites from Whangamomona and Retaruke in the north through Waimarino-National Park and Raetihi down the Whanganui River, Pipiriki and Ōhoutahi.
There will also be overlay classifications at Pōkākā including part of Erua Scenic Reserve, the Mākātote Scenic Reserve parcels west of State Highway, Manganui-a-te-Ao Scenic Reserve, and Pōkākā Scenic Reserve to help further the aspirations of iwi to develop an ecosanctuary.
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