KEY POINTS:
Parts of one of the country's most iconic travel destinations are to be returned to the Te Arawa people.
Crown representatives and kaumatua from Ngati Wahiao, Tuhourangi and Ngati Whakaue last night met in Wellington where they signed a deed summary to introduce vesting legislation over 70ha in the Whakarewarewa Valley.
The three reserves, which are home to mud pools, hot springs and the Pohutu Geyser, were controversially purchased by the Crown in the late 19th and early 20th centuries following contentious Native Land Court rulings.
Now, with their return imminent, chief negotiator of Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa, Rawiri Te Whare, said hapu members would look to secure the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.
"If that came back into Te Arawa hands it would mean it would launch these groups right into the middle of the tourism industry," he said.
"It could lead to a tremendous opportunity for Te Arawa as awhole."
While not a Treaty settlement, the vesting transfer complements the $100 million deed of settlement Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa signed with the Crown in June.
After legislation is passed all lands will be held in a joint trust representing all three hapu in the Whakarewarewa area.
The joint trust will receive the rent money from the leases of the reserves to the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.
