Tuhoe chief negotiator Tamati Kruger is being praised for his tenacity in securing a Treaty agreement with the Crown.
Treaty settlement agreement between the Crown and Tuhoe. Photo: RNZ
Iwi descendants and Government officials came together on Friday to initial a deed of settlement at Parliament.
The settlement includes a Crown apology for breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and redress under the term mana motuhake, which gives Tuhoe - to some extent - the ability to manage its own affairs with help from government services.
A Ruatoki kaumatua, Paki Nikora, says the initialling opens up the opportunity for a new future for Tuhoe and the Crown.
And he acknowledges negotiator Tamati Kruger, saying he did more than was expected of him.
Mr Nikora recalls negotiations hitting a roadblock in 2010 with the Crown over Te Urewera National Park.
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Christopher Finlayson. Photo: RNZ
He says that would have broken anybody, but after advice from the people Mr Kruger went back into negotiations and as a result the deed has been initialled.
Mr Kruger is now stepping down from his negotiator role.
He says getting to this stage is a great achievement and shows a commitments by both sides to resolve issues that will usher in change.
Tuhoe's chief negotiator Tamati Kruger. Photo: RNZ
