Crown and Ngati Porou sign Treaty deal

Treaty Minister Chris Finlayson. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

The Crown and Ngati Porou today signed a Treaty of Waitangi settlement giving the East Coast iwi financial redress of $110 million and the return of approximately 5898 hectares of land.

Treaty Minister Christopher Finlayson said the agreement also gave Ngati Porou input into the governance of specific conservation sites and "relationship agreements designed to facilitate good working relationships" with specific Crown agencies.

"The settlement of such a major claim will put longstanding historical grievances to rest and bring significant benefits both to Ng?ti Porou and to the East Coast region," Mr Finlayson said.

"With settlements on the verge of completion with Turanga iwi, all historical claims in the East Coast region will soon be settled."

Mr Finlayson said the agreement would be finalised in legislation that would be introduced in the New Year and marked "the beginning of a new relationship for Ng?ti Porou and the Crown".

Ngati Porou is New Zealand's second largest iwi with 72,000 members.

- NZHERALD STAFF