Hon Dr Michael Cullen
Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations

Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa agreement signed

The Crown and Kahukuraariki Trust Board have signed an Agreement in Principle to settle the historical Treaty of Waitangi claims of Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa, Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Michael Cullen announced today.

The Agreement in Principle covers all the claims of Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa, including those related to the loss of land in the nineteenth century and the Crown's acquisition of land in the twentieth century. Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa are based on the peninsula between the Mangonui and Whangaroa harbours in the Far North.

"I want to congratulate Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa for reaching this important milestone. The Trust Board negotiators have worked hard towards achieving a negotiated settlement for their people," said Dr Cullen.

"This broad outline of a settlement package provides a strong signal to the people of Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa that their longstanding grievances can be settled fairly and finally at long last."

The settlement offer includes acknowledgements of, and a Crown apology for, the Crown's historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles. It covers the return of eleven Crown-owned sites of cultural and historical significance, including Stony Creek Station and the adjacent Thomson and Clarke Blocks, and the Stony Creek stock and plant.

"Stony Creek Station has always been intended for return to Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa in a negotiated settlement. The Trust Board has negotiated the return of the station in good faith. The Crown would like to return the station in good condition, as a key platform for the economic development of Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa," said Dr Cullen.

"The signing of the Agreement in Principle today builds on the significant momentum created in the Far North earlier this year by the signing of the Te Rarawa Agreement in Principle and the public release of the Crown's offer to Te Aupouri.

"This is the fifth Agreement in Principle reached in the last six months and the third in two weeks. This is an extraordinary rate of progress".

The Kahukuraariki Trust Board will now have the opportunity to consult widely with the people before finalising a detailed deed of settlement. If ratified, the deed will be signed by both parties and implemented through legislation.

ENDS

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