KEY POINTS:
Two Rotorua iwi have signed joint terms of negotiations with the Crown to settle their historic Treaty of Waitangi claims, Treaty Negotiations Minister Michael Cullen said today.
The claims from Tapuika and Ngati Rangiwewehi have been heard as part of the Waitangi Tribunal's central North Island inquiry.
The area of interest of Tapuika includes the coastal Bay of Plenty north of Rotorua and Ngati Rangiwewehi areas of interest lies mainly to the west of Lake Rotorua.
Dr Cullen said the claims primarily related to the native land laws, Crown land purchases, public works takings and the New Zealand Wars.
The terms of negotiation are subject to both iwi getting recognised mandates to hold talks with the Crown.
Dr Cullen said the signing was another step in the Government's goal to settle all historical treaty claims by 2020.
- NZPA
