A Whanganui iwi says financial compensation from the Crown for its Treaty grievances will mean the tribe will have more influence in the region and allow it to keep prospering and achieve its goal of self determination.
The Ohakune based Ngati Rangi Trust is seeking a mandate from its tribal members to represent them in its Treaty of Waitangi negotiations with the Crown.
The iwi is holding nine mandating hui through the country this monthand is calling on uri (descendants) to register on its database so they can cast their votes.
Trust manager Che Wilson says financial compensation will provide economic benefits for generations to come.
He says all of the various iwi land trusts within the Whanganui confederation are large rate payers, so a lot of that money will be used towards rates.
Mr Wilson says a Treaty settlement will also increase their influence to help the whole community.
He says it isn't just about Ngati Rangi receiving all the benefits, it is about the tribe maintaining its responsibilities as tangata whenua to look after and support everybody that lives in the Whanganui region.
