The process of settling Ngati Tuwharetoa's historical Treaty of Waitangi claims moved a step forward recently when the Crown signed an agreement in principle with the iwi.
"The agreement in principle marks the start of the next phase of negotiations with Ngati Tuwharetoa and represents an important milestone. This agreement provides both the Crown and Ngati Tuwharetoa with a basis from which to develop a detailed deed of settlement," Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Christopher Finlayson said.
The agreement in principle outlines a broad settlement package including provisional Crown acknowledgments of Treaty of Waitangi breaches and cultural, financial and commercial redress.
"These sites are all of immense cultural and historical value to Ngati Tuwharetoa and high recreational and community value to the Taupo region and New Zealand as a whole," Mr Finlayson said. "This [agreement] balances the interests of the public, the Crown and Ngati Tuwharetoa.
"The Crown is committed to resolving all historical Treaty grievances, and an agreement in principle is a significant step."
Ngati Tuwharetoa claims regarding Tongariro National Park are yet to be resolved.
A copy of the agreement can be found at: www.ots.govt.nz