KEY POINTS:
The Crown and representatives from a collective of central North Island iwi have signed a terms of agreement relating to the settlement of their Treaty of Waitangi claim.
The terms set out the parameters for negotiation, and are a first step towards a settlement.
The iwi collective approached Treaty of Negotiations Minister Michael Cullen late last year with a proposal to use forest lands in the central North Island as commercial redress for their historic claims.
They approached Dr Cullen after the Te Arawa settlement ran into problems.
The Government last year delayed the introduction of the Te Arawa settlement legislation because of concerns from other Maori.
Dr Cullen today said the iwi-led initiative was an opportunity to deliver iwi a significant commercial asset and move their claims process forward.
He said it wouldn't disadvantage Te Arawa's claim in any way.
Representatives of the iwi group included Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Whakaue, Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Rangitihi and Ngati Whare.
But Dr Cullen said other groups would be able to join if they wished in the future.
A Waitangi Tribunal report released last year found the Crown had undermined Maori interests and control over the central North Island's natural resources.
Dr Cullen also today announced that the Crown and two other iwi - Ngati Makino and Waitaha - had also agreed to enter into a separate set of negotiations.
- NZPA
