Parliament has unanimously passed the first readings of three Treaty settlement bills, giving the tribes comfort their past is finally being acknowledged.
Tribal and parliamentary officials pose after first reading of iwi settlement bills. Photo: RNZ
Descendants from the central North Island iwi, Ngai Tuhoe, and two Tainui tribes, Ngati Koroki Kahukura and Ngati Haua attended Parliament on Wednesday.
All three tribes welcomed the first readings.
However, Tuhoe leader Tamati Kruger says he's nervous about leaving the bill to members of parliament, but he says his tribe's been reassured by MPs that there is nothing to worry about.
Mr Kruger says he's grateful MPs have spoken about the wrongdoing at the hands of the Crown.
It's a sentiment echoed by Ngati Koroki-Kahukura and Ngati Haua Iwi Trust co-chair, Mokoro Gillett.
He says his tribe's finally being listened too.
Ngai Tuhoe's settlement includes an agreement for a co-management plan for Te Urewera National Park, while the Ngati Haua settlement includes $13 million.
And Ngati Koroki Kahukura's package will mean the Maungatautari Scenic Reserve will be vested back to the Maungatautari community, including the two Tainui tribes which attended parliament on Wednesday.
