Maniapoto Māori Trust Board signs agreement in principle

Ā muri kia mau ki tēnā, kia mau ki te kawau mārō, whanake ake, whanake ake

15th August 2017 - Today, the Maniapoto Māori Trust Board (MMTB) signed an agreement in principle (AIP) with the Crown, to settle the historical treaty claims of Maniapoto me ona hapū maha. Te Huatahi - the agreement in Principle was signed in Parliament Buildings in Wellington. Significant progress has been made over the past eight months by the settlement negotiations team and work will continue to proceed in order to reach a deed of settlement.

MMTB Chairman, Tiwha Bell noted that this is a positive step forward and is very pleased to see how much has been achieved to date. “This is an important milestone that our iwi and team should be very proud of achieving. Now that an AIP has been signed, it is imperative that we continue to forge ahead to get the best outcome for our people.”

A key focus of the team has been to take an inclusive approach with our people to ensure everyone has had an opportunity to have their say throughout this journey. A number of workshops have been held throughout the motu (country) providing updates on the various aspects of a Treaty Settlement package with Maniapoto.

“The Hui a Iwi held recently in Otorohanga included detailed discussions around the AIP with our people. It was a great turnout with valuable engagement throughout. We acknowledge the anxieties amongst some iwi members but we are committed to moving forward and have tasked the negotiating team with delivering the best outcome for the iwi to reach its aspirations” said Mr Bell.

"Today represents a significant milestone as Maniapoto moves towards Settlement" said Lead negotiator Nanaia Mahuta.

"Our iwi have travelled from near and far to be here today. There is a renewed sense of optimism that the foundation laid by our tupuna to uphold the values and aspirations of Maniapoto is fundamental to our way of life.

It is also an enduring legacy of leadership and self-determination to guide future generations towards a better life" "But first, the historical breaches of the Crown need to be addressed. Massive tracts of land loss through raupatu and legislative measures between the 1860s-1900s severely impacted on the tribe causing significant hardship and deprivation"

"However the steadfast leadership and determination of our tupuna who had the courage and foresight to lay the Pou or pillars to the claim we are now bringing before the Crown"

"While I acknowledge that some of our people are still anxious about the settlement, we are confident with our kaumatua guiding the efforts of the negotiating team on behalf of the iwi because they too are committed to the future aspirations of the next generation"

"We acknowledge and thank the Minister Hon Chris Finlayson and his team of officials for committing to a process that takes us to the next phase of negotiations"

"Maniapoto is determined to build consensus amongst the iwi that, now is the time to move forward, strengthen the capability of our people to lead ourselves in the journey ahead. But most of all, Te Huatahi is about our unwavering commitment to shape a better future for our children and mokopuna"

A copy of the agreement can be found on our website at www.maniapoto.iwi.nz/agreement-in-principle-aip/.

To keep informed on what is happening within the settlement space, we encourage you and your whānau to register or update your details on the Maniapoto Tribal Register. Details can be found at www.maniapoto.iwi.nz/tribal-register/

ENDS

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