Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana and the Crown have signed an Agreement in Principle, marking a significant milestone towards the settlement of Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana’s historical Treaty of Waitangi claims.
“This is another step towards resolving the long-standing grievances and historical Treaty of Waitangi claims of Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana,” Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister, Andrew Little said.
“I want to acknowledge the patience, commitment and determination of both parties – Ngāti Ruapani, the Crown and their negotiation teams – for working together to make this important day possible.”
Ngāti Ruapani have a population of approximately 3,500 people and an area of interest centred around Lake Waikaremoana.
In the agreement, the Crown acknowledges its past acts and omissions that breached the Treaty of Waitangi, including using aggressive measures to acquire land from Ngāti Ruapani, and failing to ensure they retained sufficient land for the present and future needs of their people.
The agreement in principle outlines the settlement, which includes financial redress of $24 million, the option to purchase the Crown’s share in the Patunamu Forest Limited and commercial properties owned by the Crown in the Ngāti Ruapani area of interest.
“While no settlement can truly compensate for the grief, loss, and past injustices Ngāti Ruapani have endured, it is my sincere hope that today’s agreement paves the way towards a comprehensive settlement and enduring partnership between the Crown and Ngāti Ruapani for the wellbeing of their people,” Mr Little said.
A copy of the Agreement in Principle will be made available here.
