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The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith.

“Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken for public works. This has led to Te Korowai o Wainuiārua becoming virtually landless.

“Today, large parts of their rohe comprise the Tongariro and Whanganui �Թ���վ Parks, precious places in which the iwi of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua have long sought a meaningful kaitiaki role.

“This legislation will see Te Korowai o Wainuiārua receive financial and commercial redress of $21.7 million, as well as a cultural revitalisation fund of $6.850 million and 19 sites of traditional, historical and cultural significance.

“Redress contained in this Bill provides a foundation that will benefit the people of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua for generations to come. It will support them in their future endeavours and in realising their aspirations for their iwi.­

“This settlement is testament to the decades of hard work and negotiations between Te Korowai o Wainuiārua and the Crown, and signifies the beginning of a new relationship between both parties based on trust and co-operation.”

Te Korowai o Wainuiārua comprises the descendants of three tūpuna – Tamahaki, Tamakana and Uenuku ki Manganui-o-te-Ao, nā Tukaihoro in central Whanganui.

The area of interest covers approximately 613,000 hectares and includes large parts of the Whanganui and Tongariro �Թ���վ Parks, the central to upper Whanganui River area and the townships of �Թ���վ Park and Raetihi.

The combined estimated population of these groups is 5,973 according to the 2018 census.