Struggle reaches end with $93m settlement
What has been described as a 160-year struggle by Kahungunu negotiators is almost over, as Crown and iwi representatives met in Wairarapa to begin signing a $93 million settlement.
At the Copthorne Hotel in Masterton on Wednesday, Crown chief negotiator Rick Barker and his team met Nga¯ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa-Ta¯ maki Nui-a¯ -Rua negotiators and tribe members to initial the Deed of Settlement that heralds a new beginning for the iwi.
The settlement comprises $93m and 19,231 hectares of land.
The deed of settlement also includes the Crown’s acknowledgment of breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi towards Nga¯ ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa-Ta¯maki Nui-a¯-Rua, and a Crown apology.
Nga¯ ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Ta¯ maki Nui-a¯ -Rua Trust chairman and negotiator Ian Perry said though the two parties had not always seen eye to eye they had reached a conclusion and there was power in having got it settled.
The apology was important for all Nga¯ti Kahungunu ki WairarapaTa¯maki Nui-a¯-Rua iwi and the initialling of the settlement was a crucial step that locked the process in prior to the settlement being ratified by the wider tribal group, he said.
Ratification will start next month with the actual signing pencilled in for about July.
‘‘This is a tremendous stage to get to, it’s been an almost 160-year struggle, but now we can really see the opportunities for our people moving forward. It’s emotional to think of those that started this journey who are not here, but we have gotten there in the end.
‘‘We look forward to starting a new chapter in our relationship with the Crown, and building strong and reciprocal relationships with local and central government as we turn our focus to the future for our people and our rohe.’’