Far North iwi to begin Treaty talks

The path was today cleared for negotiations to begin to settle historical Treaty of Waitangi claims for a Far North iwi.

A terms of negotiation document has been signed by the Crown and NgaiTakoto-a-iwi Research Unit Trust.

Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson said NgaiTakoto was one of five Far North iwi participating in the Te Hiku forum.

The forum presented an opportunity to "substantially accelerate" treaty settlements, he said.

"I am determined that NgaiTakoto will not have to go through the years of negotiations that some Te Hiku iwi have faced."

With the terms of negotiation agreed on the Crown and NgaiTakoto will now focus on reaching agreement on a redress package.

- NZPA