Little Barrier Treaty claim signed

Chris Finlayson. Photo / Supplied

Little Barrier Island is closer to returning to iwi control after a Treaty settlement signed on Saturday.

Ngati Manuhiri and Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson initialled a deed of settlement at Omaha Marae in Pakiri.

It includes commercial and financial redress worth $9 million and the return of six culturally significant sites.

Little Barrier was a permanent home for tribal members until 1896 when the Crown passed legislation to compulsorily acquire the island. It then forcibly evicted the residents.

The whole reserve is to be transferred to the tribe and Ngati Manuhiri will gift it back to New Zealanders with the exception of 1.2ha for cultural purposes.

- Staff reporter