Ngāti Rangitihi's Deed of Settlement with the Crown one step closer

Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust chairman Leith Comer. Photo / File

Ngāti Rangitihi iwi members have voted overwhelmingly in support of a Deed of Settlement to settle historic claims with the Crown for breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust Chairman, Leith Comer, said he was "extremely pleased" that 91.79 per cent of those who voted supported the Deed of Settlement.

Comer said he was also extremely pleased iwi members recognised the importance of taking part in the four-week ratification process.

After more than a decade, to be able to reach this critical milestone was truly a "special moment" for all the descendants of Ngāti Rangitihi," he said.

"On behalf of the Trust, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who voted and played a part, including our iwi members, and our Negotiators and Trustees who have worked tirelessly for this settlement."

Comer also acknowledged all Ngāti Rangitihi claimants who submitted claims to the Waitangi Tribunal claims for Te Tiriti o Waitangi breaches by the Crown.

"Our mokopuna will benefit in the future, but we must not forget those who started the journey for us," he said.

The Ngāti Rangitihi Deed of Settlement comprises 500 pages of significant detail,

It includes a historic account and Crown acknowledgements of how and when it breached Te Tiriti and the Crown's apology.

It also sets out the details of the return of more than 500 hectares of culturally significant lands, relationship agreements with Government agencies and an entity to restore and protect Tarawera Awa (with $500,000 funding), as well as financial redress of $11.3 million.

Comer said the Deed of Settlement would also enable strong relationships with neighbouring iwi, including Tūhourangi, Ngāti Awa and Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty), as Ngāti Rangitihi Iwi move forward into the future.

He said the settlement would help achieve key aspirations for the Iwi.

"This settlement means we will be rightfully acknowledged as the kaitiaki and owners of our whenua, and we will help lead the way in the restoration of Tarawera awa — our life force," he said.

The results of the vote are now with Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little and Minister for Māori Development Nanaia Mahuta for approval.

"There is no doubt in our minds that we have fulfilled the criteria required by the Crown — the ratification process followed was robust, and the results are positive, with 35.85 per cent registered adult members voting," Comer said.

If the results receive Ministerial approval, a signing ceremony will be held later this year.

"We look forward to having all Ngāti Rangitihi uri join in the celebration," Comer said.

Comer said it was important to communicate the detail of the settlement to iwi members so that they fully understood what was on the table to vote on and why.

"This was done through a comprehensive voting information pack, regular pānui (newsletters), information hui, social media and live-streaming sessions.

Once the settlement was signed, and then enacted through Parliament, Te Mana, as the approved Post-Settlement Governance Entity, would receive the settlement redress.

"There is also still some work to do – this part of our Mahi has been about getting the settlement across the line, and the next part after the signing will be electing new Trustees to take the Trust into the future," Comer said.

The Trustees will be responsible for developing the future strategic plan of the Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust and to establish social, cultural and economic developments that will benefit all the descendants of Ngāti Rangitihi.

"We encourage our people, especially our rangatahi, our future leaders, to get involved in this next stage of the journey, " Comer said.