Claims Update for June and July 2008
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Overlapping claims
Whanganui Iwi
During this period we have had three more meetings with Whanganui iwi representatives inclusive of a meeting with Mita Ririnui the Associate Minister of Treaty Settlements.
We have made steady progress which culmanated in a hui t the hui on July 16 at Whangaehu where we agreed that both parties had come as far as we could. The Ngati Apa negotiators have made a concession in allowing Whanganui Iwi the opportunity to purchase 50% of the prison land at a time they are able. They have also put forward a process for Ngati Tukorero to decide by way of public notified hui at a time in the future when Whanganui Iwi may have an offer on the table in their settlement process, to decide which option they will take in regard to Taukoro Conservation Area.
With regard to the other exclusive redress we receive in the overlap area, Whanganui iwi don’t agree with it but they are looking to an assurance from the Crown that this will be recognised when they come to settle.
Whanganui and Ngati Apa have agreed to exchange letters, outling our respective positions.
Ngati Raukawa
Discussions with Ngati Raukawa are continuing through their lawyers. Our understanding is that they are preparing a position to put to us which is along the lines of ‘agreeing to disagree’ and looking toward the Crown acknowledging this as they move toward their negotiations.
Ngati Kauwhata
A meeting was postponed from Wednesday 16 July whereby we are scheduling another date. Essentially we are looking to get sign off on Ohakea being recognised as having overlapping interests in it and to discuss the Oroua River statement of association and discuss ways in which we can work together regarding the condition of the river.
Cultural Redress
Statutory Acknowledgements and Deeds of Recognitions
All drafts have been submitted to OTS and now we await their feedback. We have some work to do on a re-draft of the Pukepuke Lagoon Statement and then we just have work on the amendments that come back from OTS. It is hoped that these mechanisms will provide some important back up as we work further with regional and local government and also several agencies of the Crown into the future.
Survey Office Plans
There were several issues regarding the plans that were discussed at out meeting with OTS in mid July. It is agreed that we will put these matters together in written form and then get some action from the Land Team in OTS.
Relationship with Horizons Regional Council re. Tawhirihoe
A draft proposal has been finalised and forwarded to horizons. This will enable interpretative material to be on the site in order to recognise the significance of this site to Ngati Apa, the region and the nation.
Upcoming meeting with Fish & Game
Due to the usage of Lake Koitiata by Fish & Game, an understanding needs to be developed with them. A meeting will be arranged soon for these discussions to be undertaken.
Taonga
We are working on some issues regarding taonga with Grant in terms of what Te Papa actually have and then if there is a possibility of getting some returned and also a closer relationship whereby we may be able to access some of these taonga and be involved more in their care and protection.
Magazine
We are going to have a special issue that will focus on the deed of settlement and a focus on what the settlement means to many of us in Ngati Apa. This issue will coincide with the ratification process thereby providing perspectives on the importance of claims settlement to our future plans for all of our hapu as part of Ngati Apa.
Commercial Redress
We are still in negotiations with the Crown on aspects of our commercial redress. Once negotiations are completed and agreed, we will be in a position to share that information with you.