Ngati Awa iwi has accepted a treaty settlement from the Government, including an apology and about $42 million in cash and land.
The tribe voted on the deal, announced last year, in November and December through a postal ballot. It includes an agreed historical account, a formal apology and the transfer
of seven sites of significance to Ngati Awa, as well as the cash and land.
It has been hailed as a milestone for the tribe, which has about 13,000 members, with major economic benefits expected for the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Te Runanga o Ngati Awa chairman Hirini Mead said most members had voted to accept the deal and this was adopted by the runanga, which represents Ngati Awa's 22 hapu.
Dr Mead said the settlement was the culmination of 20 years' work by the runanga to be compensated for land confiscated more than 135 years ago and to have its grievances acknowledged.
The Waitangi Tribunal heard the claim during 1994-95, publishing its report in 1999. A deed of settlement was initialled last July.
No compensation would justify the execution and imprisonment of Ngati Awa men after Rev Carl Volkner was killed at Opotiki in 1865, Dr Mead said. But the settlement would help the iwi.
"The settlement means that Ngati Awa can finally begin to build an economic base for the iwi.
"This had not been possible in the past as Ngati Awa had few resources after more than 245,000 acres [99,200ha] of land was taken by the Government in the 1860s, and its economic base was severely damaged."
Treaty Negotiations Minister Margaret Wilson acknowledged last year that the confiscation had left the tribe "virtually landless".
The settlement was likely to lead to business opportunities in Whakatane and surrounding areas for Ngati Awa and others in the region, Dr Mead said.
Ngati Awa kaumatua Maanu Paul has previously described the settlement as inadequate. He wants a new settlement structure that would allow the Crown to pay out substantially more.
Mr Paul said he would seek legal advice before commenting.
- NZPA
