Whanganui River Treaty Settlement of Benefit to All

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) Mayor, Don Cameron, said that the signing of the Whanganui River Treaty settlement yesterday was a watershed day for Council and its engagement with iwi.

Mayor Don along with RDC Chief Executive Peter Till, Land Transport and Economic Development Manager Warren Furner and Councillor Graeme Cosford joined over 500 people at the Ruaka Marae at the Whanganui River settlement of Ranana to witness the historic event.

“The Whanganui River settlement is unique in that it recognises the river as a living entity and puts its health and well-being first,” he said.

“It is the start of a co-governance arrangement that adds a real cultural dimension to how we think about rivers and mountains and other iconic places.”

“This approach has been a challenge for some but I believe for future generations it will be the norm.”

Mayor Don added that the Whanganui River settlement is the first in a series of Treaty settlements that will have a tremendous impact on Ruapehu and its communities.

“The Treaty settlements are going to provide significant resources for Ruapehu iwi that will benefit their people and flow through to benefit all Ruapehu communities.”

“RDC is doing all it can to be a conduit for local iwi and to assist them to prosper.”

“What is good for Ruapehu Maori is good for all Ruapehu,” he said.

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