Mt Maunganui's future ownership due to become clearer

1.00pm

The future ownership of Western Bay of Plenty's most recognisable landmark, Mt Maunganui or Mauao, could become clearer tomorrow with the release of a landmark report into Maori land confiscations.

The 400-page report on 55 claims in the Tauranga Moana area will be presented to about 1000 people expected to attend Hairini marae.

Treaty of Waitangi Tribunal director Darren Sykes and Professor Wharehuia Milroy will present the report, which is based on information gathered from meetings in the region over three and a half years.

Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and Labour list MP for Bay of Plenty Margaret Wilson will also be welcomed on to the marae, on what is predicted to be a historic and emotional day.

Waitangi Tribunal adviser Chris Wikaira said the report would contain the tribunal's findings as to whether the claims were valid.

The director would read a brief summary of the findings to the assembled masses -- then it would be up to claimants and the Crown to work out how the claims would be settled.

The tribunal has emphasised that privately-owned land cannot be considered for inclusion in settlements.

If settlements are made, they will range from cash and land settlements to agreements over future management -- but only when the Crown is satisfied the recipients have the structure and mandate to complete the agreements.

This comes as legislation to settle Ngati Awa's Treaty claim was given its first reading before MPs in Parliament this week.

The proposal includes a crown apology for breaches of the Treaty, cultural redress including the transfer of seven sites and a combination of cash and crown-owned land worth $42.4 million.

Ms Wilson said it was the first Bay of Plenty claims bill to be presented to Parliament.

It would be considered by a select committee before going through further legislative stages.

Descendants of the bay's earliest Maori settlers are hoping for good news tomorrow on land grievances dating back more than 150 years.

In particular Mauao's former occupiers -- Ngati Ranginui, Ngaiterangi and Ngati Pukenga -- will be anticipating the sacred crown-owned mountain will be returned to Maori ownership.

According to records, Mauao was seized by the Government in the 1860s when the Maori owners were unable to pay to have it surveyed.

Ultimately, Mauao was designated wasteland of the Crown and, in March 1889, was handed over to Tauranga Borough Council.

After the Battle of Gate Pa in 1864, 20,000 hectares of Ngaiterangi land was seized by the colonial government. Some 15,000 hectares form what are now Mt Maunganui and Tauranga city.

A further 4800 hectares of land around Wairoa River was also taken, plus 37,635 hectares under what Colonial Secretary William Fox later described as "a forced acquisition of native lands under colour of a voluntary sale".

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES