5 Jul 2018

Final reading of treaty settlement for hapū destroyed by Crown

8:14 pm on 5 July 2018

A Waikato-Tainui hapū which was left landless and had its community destroyed by the Crown had the final reading of its Treaty of Waitangi settlement in Parliament today.

Andrew Little

Andrew Little said the Crown can never fully compensate the hapū. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

The Ngāti Tamaoho claims settlement bill gives effect to the deed of settlement signed last year to settle historical treaty breaches.

In the early 1800s, Ngāti Tamaoho entered positive relationships with settlers and sold land to the Crown in good faith.

However, the Crown failed to fulfil a commitment to retain acquired land for Ngāti Tamaoho and branded the hapū "rebels" and organised the destruction of their homes through the burning and looting of their settlements at Pokeno.

Treaty negotiations minister Andrew Little said the Crown can never fully compensate the hapū for the loss of land and the prejudice it suffered.

However, he said this settlement marked the start of a new relationship between the Crown and the hapū.

The settlement included $10.3 million of financial compensation and the chance to buy Crown properties.

Ngāti Tamaoho's area of interest extends from the Awhitu Peninsula across Franklin District and the Hunua Ranges and also includes both Waikato wetlands and central Auckland.

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