Media Statement

Treaty settlement signing a significant milestone for Tainui Taranaki ki te Tonga

EMBARGOED until 1030 Wednesday 11 February 2009

Today’s signing of a Letter of Agreement with the Crown over Treaty of Waitangi claims for the iwi of the top of the South Island is a significant step toward building an economic base for future generations.

That’s the view of Tainui Taranaki ki te Tonga; a grouping of four tribes that came together to settle their respective treaty claims as part of the wider te tau Ihu treaty claim settlement process.

Tainui Taranaki ki te Tonga comprises Te Atiawa ki Te Tau Ihu, Ngāti Tama ki Te Tau Ihu, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Koata and the Wakatu Incorporation on behalf of the Wai 56 claimants. The combined tribal area of the four Tainui Taranaki iwi covers the top of the South Island. The four iwi have a combined population approximately 6,000 people according to the 2006 Census.

Chair of Tainui Taranaki, Roma Hippolite, said today’s signing ceremony at Parliament is a milestone event in an incredible long and hard journey for the iwi involved.

Mr Hippolite said it had been a difficult process to fulfil the requirements of the Crown to get a settlement and at the same time to meet the needs of our people.

“We are very mindful that the settlement we have before us represents such a small part of what each iwi lost,” he said.

“However, we all agree it is time to move on and focus on what we can achieve for future generations.

“Growing the value of the settlement would not only be good for iwi members, but would provide economic benefits for the whole region.

Mr Hippolite said there was still much work to be done before the settlement is finalised.

“Over the next few weeks we will be out on the road meeting with our people and explaining the detail of the deal and then seeking their comments on it.”

He said Tainui Taranaki ki te Tonga also wanted to make special mention of Chris Atutahi, the groups former Project Manager, who sadly passed away last year.

“It was Chris’s dream to see this settlement finalised and it is very sad for us all that he is not with us today,” Mr Hippolite said.

Ends

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