Tuwharetoa Ki Kawerau Receive Forestry Rentals

22 June 2005

Tuwharetoa Ki Kawerau Receive Forestry Rentals

Crown Forestry Rental Trust (CFRT) today transferred $1.8 million of accumulated forestry rental fees to Te Runanga o Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau.

The $1.8 million rental is from the 844 hectares of Rotoehu West forest land, transferred as part of the $10.5 million Treaty settlement negotiated with the Office of Treaty Settlements.

The Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau settlement is compensation for the Crown confiscation of Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau land in 1865 and includes a formal Crown apology, the transfer of five sites of significance to the iwi and a combination of cash and Crown-owned land. The land transferred includes 844 hectares of Rotoehu West forest land.

The Ngati Tuwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Claims Settlement Act authorises CFRT to transfer the accumulated rental fees from the 844 hectares to Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau as the legally confirmed owner.

CFRT Chairman, Sir Graham Latimer said, “The Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau settlement is a positive step forward for the tribe and New Zealand as a whole. This settlement is another step towards resolution of past grievances and Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau must be congratulated for their success. It is very satisfying to be able to return these rental proceeds to the confirmed owners."

Sir Graham said CFRT was positive about the progress Maori and the Government were making in advancing Treaty claims over Crown forest licensed land. “This is the second settlement involving Crown forest land this year. CFRT is pleased with the progress being made.”

About CFRT

The Crown Forestry Rental Trust (CFRT) is a Non-Government agency with equal numbers of Maori and Crown appointed Trustees. It receives no taxpayer funding.

The main purpose of CFRT is the management and administration of interest earned by the investment of rental proceeds from Crown forest licensed land.

It uses interest from the investments to assist eligible Maori claimants in the preparation and presentation of claims involving Crown forest licensed land before the Waitangi Tribunal and negotiations with the Office of Treaty Settlements.

CFRT cannot settle Treaty claims.

ENDS

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