August 18, 2017
Ngati Rangi clears path for other Whanganui iwi
Ngati Rangi negotiator Che Wilson says it’s a great feeling to get a settlement over the line.
The iwi, whose rohe covers the western and southern base of Ruapehu, initialed its deed of settlement yesterday, five months and two days after signing an agreement in principal.
It includes $17 million in financial redress, the $8 million Karioi Forest, some other properties and commercial projects, and the potential to build 50 houses at Waiouru.
"Bringing all that together it's a decent opportunity and we're stoked that we've been able to do this not just for Ngati Rangi but hopefully open up theparth for the rest of Whanganui because according to the crown we're the smallest of the Whanganui tries so i'ts just great we have been able to get over this line," Mr Wilson says.
He says settlements are political rather than being about justice, but they provide resources the iwi can use to create opportunities.
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