Ngati Ranginui chairman, Huikakahu Kawe, says the formal recording of a proposed deed of settlement for the Tauranga-based iwi is an important step in 20 years of effort to seek redress for land which was confiscated by the Crown.
The deed was initialled during a ceremony at Huria Marae in Tauranga on Good Friday, for a settlement which includes financial redress of $31 million, plus the return of two conservation areas.
Ngati Ranginui is the first of three iwi in the Tauranga region, to initial a deed of settlement with the Crown over historical Treaty grievances and Mr Kawe says that raupatu (confiscations) has had a big drain on the emotional and spiritual well being of many members of the iwi.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges says Tauranga iwi have some of the most serious treaty grievances, including the loss of life and land consifications.
