Whanganui Iwi plan to celebrate clearing the final hurdle to their Whanganui River treaty claim with simultaneous karakia all along the river at dawn on Monday, August 4.
Voting on whether to approve the settlement closed on July 11. The official results won't be available until they have been signedoff by the Treaty Negotiations Minister and the Maori Affairs Minister.
However, votes were "overwhelmingly" in favour of the settlement, according to spokesman Gerrard Albert.
The settlement, called Ruruku Whakatupua, is to be signed at Ranana Marae on August 5. The day will include three powhiri, the signing ceremony and speeches, entertainment and lunch. Formal invitations are to be sent out this week.
The signing and the dawn karakia (prayers) are only part of the celebration for one of the longest litigated claims in New Zealand history.
The process will include a gathering in Taumarunui on August 3, to acknowledge all who have contributed. Other hui (meetings) and events will happen on the weekend of August 1-3.
