Overwhelming Support for Ngāti Rangi Treaty Settlement Package

Ngāti Rangi uri have given an overwhelming endorsement of the Crown’s offer to settle the iwi’s historical Treaty of Waitangi claims.

The Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and Minister of Māori Development have now considered the results and agreed there is sufficient support from Ngāti Rangi uri to proceed to signing the Ngāti Rangi Deed of Settlement, Rukutia Te Mana.

Rukutia Te Mana includes the Crown’s acknowledgement of numerous breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, an agreed historical account and an apology from the Crown for those breaches. It also includes cultural redress covering lands significant to Ngāti Rangi, including the return of the lakes at Rotokura.

Iwi members were asked to cast two votes through the independent returning officer at electionz.com. The first; whether, or not, to accept the Crown’s settlement offer and the second; whether, or not, to accept the proposed Post Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) called Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi to manage the settlement and iwi affairs.

Voter turnout was just under 42-percent which is relatively high for Treaty settlement ratification votes and the results were a resounding endorsement for the settlement, with 99-percent of uri voting in favour of the settlement and 97 percent for the proposed PSGE.

Ngāti Rangi Iwi Trust Chair Shar Amner said he was delighted with the result.

“This gives us confidence to move forward to the next stage with the Crown.

“A huge amount of work has gone into the negotiations and it’s humbling and very satisfying to have our people support this mahi so strongly.

“For now, we will take a moment to celebrate the result, enjoy the Christmas break with whānau and recharge the batteries; as 2018 is going to be a busy and exciting year for Ngāti Rangi and our community,” Mr Amner said.

The Deed of Settlement will be signed with a formal ceremony early next year (2018). Uri will be advised as soon as this is confirmed.

ENDS

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