Media Statement on Initialing of Deed of Settlement Dated 3 Septemeber 2008
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MEDIA STATEMENT
3 September 2008
Ngati Apa Initial Deed of Settlement
The North Island based tribe, Ngäti Apa and the Crown have initialed a Deed of Settlement. The settlement covers all historical Treaty claims of Ngati Apa hapü of Rangitikei and Ngä Wairiki. Te Rünanga o Ngäti Apa Chairman, Adrian Rurawhe, says that this settlement will provide many opportunities for future development for our whanau, hapü and iwi.
“Through recent negotiations with the Crown, Ngäti Apa negotiators have secured the transfer of all Licensed Crown Forest Lands offered under it’s Agreement in Principle signed in July 2007. “This is critically important, as Ngäti Apa is virtually landless, so the return of more than 6,500 hectares of land as part of this settlement, will make a positive impact on our sustainable development”.
Mr Rurawhe says the other financial and commercial aspects of the redress package have also been accepted by the Rünanga and all of our hapü, and should be considered within the context of the opportunities it will provide.
“We are also pleased with our cultural revitalisation package. The opportunity to re-establish papakainga is of significant importance to us and will be complimented by the development and implementation of our cultural redevelopment plan.”
Mr. Rurawhe also stated that, “Over the next 4 weeks the people of Ngäti Apa will have the opportunity to consider the proposed settlement and the proposed post-settlement governance arrangements, and then to vote on whether or not to accept them. This ratification process ensures that our people are able to make an informed decision.” The Rünanga will hold 13 information hui throughout the country during this period, ratification closes on 4 October 2008.
END
For more information contact:
Adrian Rurawhe (027) 5554995
adrian@ngatiapa.iwi.nz