Hunters are worried that a central North Island Treaty settlement could affect public access to conservation land
Ngati Whare has agreed with the Crown on a package that will settle its Treaty of Waitangi claims and give it a share in the management of Whirinaki Forest Park.
The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association says it's the first time a major conservation park has been put under co-management and it wants public consultation about how it will be run.
The association's national advocate, Hugh Barr, says assurances are being sought that the area will remain a public conservation park managed under the Conservation Act.
The association wants a meeting with the Minister of Treaty Negotiations about the land.
Iwi wants to see forest regenerated
Ngati Whare Trust chairperson James Carlson says the iwi wants to see the forest regenerated, and will now work with the Crown on the details of the settlement.
The iwi was one of eight to reach a land settlement with the Crown through a separate claim over central North Island forests last year.
