After nine years of negotiations, Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua has passed in the House, officially recognising Taranaki Maunga as its own legal person.
The Collective Redress Bill vests the National Park land in Te Kāhui Tupua, a statutory body that will act as the human face and voice of the legal personality.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says the bill addresses the historical grievances endured by the eight iwi of Taranaki and acknowledges their deep ancestral connection to the mountain.
“It deals with events going right back 250 years when Cook sailed past and decided to name the mountain a different name, and 250 years or so later, we’re saying no, no, no, it’s Taranaki maunga is the name of the mountain, and recognizing many disappointments over the centuries, particularly over the land confiscation and a very significant day,” says Goldsmith.
Arrangements include renaming the National Park Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki and officially changing the name of the highest peak to Taranaki Maunga.
