Treaty of Waitangi claims for two Te Arawa hapu have been settled at a signing in Te Puke.
The Crown signed deeds of settlement for all outstanding historical treaty claims with Te Arawa hapu Ngati Rangiwewehi and Tapuika at Ngati Moko Marae. Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson said Ngati Rangiwewehi and Tapuika suffered greatly when the Crown brought war to the region in the 1860s.
"The Crown later established the Native Land Court which created unfortunate consequences for both iwi. These settlements will help right the wrongs of the past. Today Ngati Rangiwewehi, Tapuika and the wider community can look forward to a stronger future," he said.
Ngati Rangiwewehi and Tapuika will each receive financial redress of $6 million included in their specific cultural redress packages.
This includes a co-governance arrangement for the Kaituna River for Tapuika and the return of culturally significant sites such as Hamurana Springs to Ngati Rangiwewehi.