Terms signed with Ngai Te Rangi

Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson. Photo / Hawkes Bay Today

The Crown signed terms of negotiation with Te Runanga o Ngai Te Rangi Iwi Trust in Tauranga today in a further step towards settling all historical treaty claims in Tauranga Moana, Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson announced today.

Ngai Te Rangi is an iwi of the Mataatua waka. Its members are descended from the tupuna Te Rangihouhiri and Tamapahore, and have interests in the Tauranga Moana region including the harbour and islands.

The terms of negotiation set out the rules of engagement for a comprehensive settlement of the iwi's claims.

Mr Finlayson said the signing was a milestone for Ngai Te Rangi because it meant all three Tauranga Moana iwi had now formally entered settlement negotiations.

The Government has a goal of settling all historic claims by 2014.

Since June last year it has signed seven terms of negotiation, 11 agreements in principle and six deeds of settlement throughout New Zealand.

- NZPA