Te Here-ā-Nuku (Nelson Tenths) Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament, finalising the restoration of approximately 3,000 hectares of land at the top of the South Island to its rightful owners, Attorney General Chris Bishop has confirmed.
Mr Bishop said restoring the land to its rightful owners was a significant conclusion for both parties to a “more than 180-year wrong”.
“As held by the High Court, the land, in parts of Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay, had always belonged to descendants of its original owners, and the Crown had held it for many years as trustee,” he said.
Conservation Minister, Tama Potaka said the passing of the Bill was a significant occasion for the Crown and the beneficial owners of Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust, achieved through the commitment of both parties to acknowledge ownership and existing use of the land.
“Allowances have been made for the Crown to lease back some of the private land currently being used by the Department of Conservation and for other important public purposes,” he said.
Continued public and visitor use of the coast track along the Abel Tasman Great Walk, and public reserves at key sites like Tōtaranui and Kaiteretere has been arranged with Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust.
“I want to acknowledge Mr Stafford and his whānau for their patience and Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust for their understanding and dedication to resolving this law case,” says Mr Bishop.
The next step, after the Bill receives Royal Assent, is the transfer of legal title to trust land from the Crown, as previous trustee, to the trustees of Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust.
