A Waikato iwi has initialled its Treaty of Waitangi deed of settlement valued at more than $8 million with the Crown.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Andrew Little Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Ngāti Hinerangi signed the deed today at a ceremony with Crown officials in Hamilton.
The initialled deed of settlement includes financial redress of $8.1m and the return of 14 sites of cultural significance.
This includes part of the Wairere Falls Scenic Reserve near Matamata - a sacred awa to Ngāti Hinerangi - and a cultural revitalisation fund, and five commercial properties.
Ngāti Hinerangi's claims relate to conflict with the Crown in Tauranga including the 1867 Bush campaign, the Crown's confiscation of land in Tauranga and the operation of the Native Land Court from 1866.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Andrew Little said Ngāti Hinerangi was left virtually landless by the Crown's actions "which contributed to Ngāti Hinerangi's economic and social marginalisation, and the loss of traditional tribal structures and knowledge".
Mr Little said the Ngāti Hinerangi settlement would forge a new relationship between the iwi and the Crown.
