13 December 2013

"Everyone Counts" Says Ngā Potiki at Settlement Signing

Tauranga Moana iwi Ngā Potiki a Tamapahore vows to grow the proportion of their Treaty settlement to continue strengthening existing initiatives for the benefit of all descendants.

Ngā Potiki a Tamapahore Trust Chairperson Colin Reeder says Ngā Potiki have worked long and hard to reach the Deed of Settlement signing milestone.

"When we sign tomorrow, we do so knowing that our effort has been about empowering all of our people - everyone counts," Colin says.

"We need to acknowledge and redress past injustices for the benefit of all our people and the Settlement will enable us to do that."

Specific outcomes for Ngā Potiki, from the Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngā Potiki a Tamapahore Deed of Settlement are:
• Quantum $3.2 million (Ngā Potiki estimates the total value at $20 million including land and estates).
• A separate Post Settlement Governance Entity.
• The return of important tribal land and;
• Specific ongoing relationship with Government to achieve Ngā Potiki aspirations.

Ngā Potiki estimates that the Settlement represents less than one percent of the value of the land that was confiscated from them in the 1860s and subsequent Public Works Act land takings in the 1940s-1990s.

"We are confident we can 'rebuild', 'reconnect' and 'revitalise' from this Settlement," Colin says.

In the Settlement Ngā Potiki will get back 50 acres of a 100 acre block, the other 50 acres was allocated to Waitaha nui a Hei iwi in their deed of settlement. Already, both iwi have aspirations to work together and investigate a joint venture to develop the land for an exciting, affordable social and commercial housing project.

Ngā Potiki will be given exclusive statutory acknowledgement of the Pāpāmoa coast from Parakiri to Wairākei.

"Ngā Potiki takes seriously our kaitiakitanga [guardian relationship] to our coast line, the sea runs through our veins," says Colin. "So this aspect of the Settlement is very important to us - it reconfirms our connection and affinity with the coast and the sea."

In terms of cultural revitalisation - that can promote traditional bush practices, mātauranga and rekindle ties to Waitaha and Tapuika iwi - 20 acres of DoC land at Otara reconnects to the ngahere that their ancestors enjoyed.

"We want to hold wānanga in the bush on Māori medicines, youth trips to reconnect with the land, flora and fauna and really walk the talk in regards to Kaitiakitanga like our ancestors did."

With a current registered population of 540, and estimated population of 2500, Ngā Potiki may be small, Colin says, "but we punch above our weight".

"We already have a fantastic affordable housing programme in place and this Settlement will help us take it to a whole new level," Colin says.

Note: Signing of the Deed of Settlement will take place tomorrow [Saturday 14 December 2013] at Whareroa Marae, Tauranga with a powhiri to Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson starting at 930am.

ENDS

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