Raukawa To Sign Historic Comprehensive Treaty Settlement

For immediate release Thursday, May 31, 2012

Raukawa will sign its Deed of Settlement for its comprehensive Treaty of Waitangi Claims at Aotearoa Marae on Saturday June 2, 2012.

The chairwoman of South Waikato iwi, Raukawa, Vanessa Eparaima said the historic signing marked a major turning point for the people of Raukawa.

“The Deed of Settlement marks the conclusion of our historic Treaty of Waitangi claims negotiations; it signifies the end of a long and often fraught process to bring justice for the wrongs inflicted against the Raukawa people.”

Mrs Eparaima said the day was one to acknowledge the effort and sacrifice of many who committed their lives to seeking justice for the losses endured by Raukawa – “a process that left Raukawa virtually landless within its own tribal lands.

“It is an important day for Raukawa, the region and the country, in bringing some closure to the wrongs committed against our people. We are grateful to have reached this point, where we can now turn our considerable energy and potential towards rebuilding and providing some support to helping our people and to growing the social, cultural and economic opportunity for Raukawa.

Raukawa Charitable Trust Chairman George Rangitutia said the day was one of celebration but also one of sadness, and a day to acknowledge the many who did not live to see the conclusion of their labours.

“It will be a day of acknowledgement, a day to set the history straight around the devastation inflicted on Raukawa, and a day to embrace a more vibrant future for our people.

“On June 2, 2012 at Aotearoa Marae, the Crown will acknowledge the wrongs inflicted against our people. On this day Raukawa resumes its journey to returning as a major economic force in our rohe, and the country.

“It is a day of great importance to our people, and one which will bring benefit not just to the people of Raukawa but also to the many people within the communities we share.”

Raukawa Deed of Settlement Signing Ceremony

Where: Aotearoa Marae, Aotearoa Rd, Te Awamutu

When: June 2, 2012

09:00 Raukawa arrive at Aotearoa Marae

09:15 Explanation of the day’s proceedings

10:00 Pōwhiri for invited tribes and guests

11:00 Morning tea

11:30 Pōwhiri for the Crown

12:00 Karakia
•Opening speech – Raukawa
•Presentations
•Speech - Chris Finlayson
•Closing speech – Raukawa Chairwoman Vanessa Eparaima
•Exchange of gifts – Raukawa and the Crown
•Ministers invited to sign the Deed
•Raukawa chairs sign
•Signing ceremony

13:30 Lunch

ENDS

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