Iwi’s $32m deal settled

A major Treaty of Waitangi settlement has been finalised during an emotional ceremony at Parliament.

The Rangitane Tu Mai Ra (Wairarapa Tamaki nui-a-Rua) Claims Settlement Bill passed its third and final reading yesterday, marking the end of a process dating back to the 1980s.

The settlement, including about $32.5 million, covers the secondlargest geographical area of any Treaty deal so far, and provides acknowledgements, apologies and redress for past breaches.

The redress sites span the region from north of Dannevirke, down to Turakirae (Cape Palliser) and includes the wider Wairarapa and Tamaki nui-a-Rua districts.

Negotiator and trustee Mavis Mullins said the settlement was a landmark occasion.

‘‘It’s an exciting time. If we cast our mind back, when was the last time an asset of this size was available for the growth and wellbeing of the area?’’

Although she wouldn’t single out specific ways the money would be spent, Mullins said the iwi already had access to about $10m, and plans were being put in place for its use. ‘‘The worst thing is to rush.’’ Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson said the occasion marked a further step forward in the Government’s progress on Treaty issues.