July 09, 2020
Rangitihi initials historic settlement
Bay of Plenty iwi Ngāti Rangitihi and Treaty Negotiations Minister Andrew Little have initialled a deed of settlement for historic treaty claims.
Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust chair Leith Comer says the settlement will enable the return of lands that are culturally and spiritually significant to the iwi, and it acknowledges its importance as kaitiaki of its whenua and awa.
The settlement includes $500,000 for a new entity to restore and protect Lake Tarawera and $11.3 million in financial redress.
Te Mana will also receive $4 million plus interest in addition to the interest in forest lands valued at $7.3 million that were part of the 2008 Central North Island Forest Lands Collective Settlement.
Voting on the Deed of Settlement will take place from July 24 to August 23 and Mr Comer urges all Ngāti Rangitihi descendants to register with Te Mana so they can have their say.
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