A comprehensive agreement with the Crown redressing historical grievances will see Ngati Porou receive a cash sum of $90 million and the possible right to buy back forest land.
Hailing the high level agreement today, Te Runanga o Ngati Porou chairman Apirana Mahuika and deputy chairman Selwyn Parata said that while the focus of the negotiations to date had been on the cash and commercial redress components of a settlement package it was far more than that.
They said a key focus of the negotiations would be on redressing cultural issues and providing for the future of the next generation of Ngati Porou.
The agreement reached by Te Haeata, the Ngati Porou settlement negotiations sub committee, and the Crown includes a commitment that any settlement of their historical claims will include a cash sum of $90 million and the interest on that from October 23 for two years with the ability to extend that period if a deed of settlement has not been reached.
Other details of the agreement have been sent out in a letter to 22,000 adults registered with the Runanga.
Te Haeata is also considering :
* The right to buy forest land within Ngati Porou's tribal boundaries and accumulated Crown forestry licence rentals estimated at about $10 million.
* The right to buy $7.5 million in Crown land used for education and lease that land back to the Crown.
* A gift of Crown landbank properties valued at $1.6 million and a right of first refusal and a variety of other commercial redress mechanisms relating to Crown property in the area.
The Crown has committed to providing an apology for breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, an acknowledgement of Ngati Porou's service to New Zealand, honouring the military service of Ngati Porou as part of Te Hokowhitu a Tu and C Company of Maori Battalion and support for completion of the history of Ngati Porou.
The agreement also includes a process that would allow Ngati Porou to present historical grievances under the Treaty of Waitangi to a Crown representative or independent commissioner.
The Crown has also committed to a process for establishing a suitable governance entity to receive the redress on behalf of Ngati Porou and for any foreshore and seabed claims not covered by the "nga hapu o Ngati Porou and the Crown Foreshore and Seabed Deed of Agreement".
The Crown will support the retention and development of Ngati Porou's language and customary practices and other matters of cultural interest
The agreement will include consideration of the use of conservation land to protect and develop the culture including the guardians of Hikurangi, Whangaokeno (East Island), wahi tapu and awa, particularly the Waiapu River, its tributaries and catchment.
In addition to discussions on the components of a comprehensive settlement package the Crown has also agreed to work with Ngati Porou on matters of authority and autonomy, including enhancing infrastructure (roads, utilities and erosion control) and social services including health and education.
Te Haeata has begun an extensive consultation process starting last night that will include hui throughout the region and other parts of New Zealand.
