Te Hiku Treaty settlements 'enshrined in law' - Minister

Christopher Finlayson reading the Crown's formal apology to Ngati Kuri at Ngataki's Waiora Marae early last year. Pat Sneddon, is pictured holding a framed copy of the apology.

The Treaty settlement process was completed for four Te Hiku iwi with last week's third reading of the Te Hiku Claims Settlement Bill.

Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson said the "full and final settlements" for Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri, Ngai Takoto and Te Rarawa were now "enshrined in law," each settlement acknowledging, apologising for and making significant redress toward righting wrongs of the past.

The settlements would provide a base for the iwi to rebuild economically and to exercise their mana, rangatiratanga and tikanga. They included quantum amounts totalling $96.6 million, and cultural redress that supported the aspirations of the iwi to exercise their kaitiakitanga over ancestral lands in a constructive relationship with the Crown.

Mr Finlayson said the settlements acknowledged, apologised and made redress for Crown breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and the long-term impacts of these breaches.

"Crown actions and omissions during the 19th and 20th centuries left Te Hiku iwi with very little land, or virtually landless," he said.

"Opportunities for economic, social and cultural development were lost, and tribal structures were weakened, as many had to leave their rohe altogether.

"Those who have remained now live in one of the most socially and economically deprived areas of New Zealand.

"Next week is the 40th anniversary of the start of the Dame Whina Cooper-led land march from Te Hapua to Wellington that protested the alienation of Maori land. This is a fitting time for the Te Hiku settlements to pass into New Zealand law," Mr Finlayson added.

"The government is committed to concluding Treaty settlements with all willing and able iwi, and this is a significant step towards that."

"The settlement legislation will also wind up the Aupouri Maori Trust Board, which has been experiencing some difficulties of late. Te Puni Kokiri is working with the board to support it through that transition. I am confident the new leadership in Te Runanga Nui o Te Aupuri will ensure good governance for the future of the Aupouri people."

Meanwhile, the Maori Party congratulated the Te Hiku iwi, and Te Kawerau a Maki, whose claims process was also completed on Wednesday.

Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell paid tribute to those who began the Te Hiku claim 30 years ago, including the late Dame Whina Cooper and the late Hon Matiu Rata, and to all those who had carried the claim and the negotiations through to a final settlement.

"They have shown great tenacity and endurance," he said.

The Te Hiku settlement included recognition of their Te Hiku iwis' kaitiakitanga of Te Oneroa-a-Tohe (90 Mile Beach).