Media Statement
Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa. 25 September 2008

Historic day for Te Arawa as the Affiliate Te Arawa Iwi/Hapu Claims Settlement Bill passes final reading.

Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa chairman Eru George today applauded the hardwork and support of all involved in bringing the passage of the Affiliate Te Arawa Iwi/Hapu Claims Settlement Bill to conclusion.

"This is a momentous day for our people, and marks the final hurdle in concluding more than 160 years of grievance," he said.

Mr George said iwi and hapu leaders, kuia and koroua (elders) were among the Te Arawa delegation in parliament today to tautoko (support) the third reading of the legislation.

"This has been a lengthy, costly and at times fractious process for our people. The conclusion of the legislative process now allows a move from grievance to a focus on enhancing the future opportunities for our iwi and hapu.

Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa is a collective of eleven Te Arawa iwi and hapu, representing more than 24,000 members, or around 62 per cent of the Te Arawa peoples. The revised Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa settlement claim will settle more than 80 outstanding land claims.

Mr George said the focus for affiliate Te Arawa would continue to be achieving the best outcomes for the more than 24,000 members the trust represents.

"This settlement will add real momentum to our aspirations to assist in meeting the economic, cultural and social needs of our iwi and hapu members."

ENDS

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