However, opposition to Ngati Kuri deal remains
A formal apology, and accompanying $21million-plus Treaty of Waitangi settlement, will help Far North tribe Ngati Kuri rebuild its relationship with the Crown and end the work started many years ago by its ancestors.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson yesterday signed a deed of settlement with Ngati Kuri Trust Board chairman Harry Burkhardt at Waiora Marae, Ngataki, about halfway between Kaitaia and Cape Reinga.
The settlement includes financial and commercial redress of $21million. It also includes cultural redress providing recognition of the traditional, historical, cultural and spiritual associations of Ngati Kuri with several key sites.
As part of the settlement, Ngati Kuri will receive a cultural endowment fund of $2.230million for the enhancement of the historical and cultural identity of Ngati Kuri; joint vesting of Aupouri Crown forest lands (21,283ha) and accumulated rentals ($2.2million) between the Te Hiku iwi; and sale and lease back of Te Hapua and Ngataki school sites.