12 July 2007

Ngāti Apa Accept Redress Package Offer

Ngāti Apa have signed an Agreement in Principle (AIP) with the Crown, at Tini Waitara Marae in Turakina. The AIP sets out details of the Redress Package, settling all historical Treaty claims of Ngāti Apa hapü of Rangitikei and Nga Wairiki. Te Runanga o Ngati Apa Chairman, Adrian Rurawhe, says it is the best possible redress package available to Ngāti Apa within the Crown’s claims settlement process.

Ngāti Apa are pleased to have agreed to an historical account that outlines the historical relationship between the Crown and Ngāti Apa, as well as Crown acknowledgements of breaches of the Treaty.

The historical account shows that the Crown’s policy was to acquire land as cheaply as possible. Ngāti Apa were assured they would reap substantial economic advantages from the growth of European settlement around them. For Ngäti Apa, the transactions that transpired resulted in poverty, not partnership. With little land, Ngäti Apa could not participate in the region’s growing farming economy. This redress package takes us some way to addressing our ability to be active participants in the local economy.

“We are particularly pleased with our cultural revitalisation package. The opportunity to re-establish papakainga is of significant importance to us and will be complimented by the development and implementation of our cultural redevelopment plan.”

The AIP includes the acknowledgement of our mana whenua (customary authority) through the return to our guardianship and ownership of key cultural and historical sites, including – Motu Karaka, Waitapu, Lake Koitiata, Pakiki, Waimahora, Pakapakatea, Pukepuke and Kiwitea.

Mr Rurawhe says the financial aspects of the redress package have been accepted by the Runanga and all of our hapü, and should be considered within the context of the opportunities it will provide.

“In the next phase of the settlement process, we will turn our attention to Licensed Crown Forest Lands. Ngati Apa is virtually landless, so it is of critical importance, that we achieve the purchase of all the lands available to us through this process.”

He also acknowledged the opportunity to purchase land through a right of deferred selection. This includes the land under Whanganui Prison, Marton Police Station, Marton Court House and half of the Whanganui Forest. In addition Ngäti Apa will have a Right Of First Refusal over two schools, the Bulls Police Station and the RNZAF Base Ohakea.

“Once we have moved to a Deed of Settlement we can put the grievances of the past behind us and all look positively forward.“

ENDS

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