Historic first as Crown forgiven by iwi

BY TOM FITZSIMONS

"And now it is finished," former governor-general Sir Paul Reeves said.

He had just read the first statement of forgiveness from an iwi to the Crown but the meaning was broader than that.

The bill finalising the $25 million Port Nicholson Treaty settlement for a group of Taranaki iwi was finished, passed into law in Parliament yesterday. And an apology from the Crown for a litany of past wrongs was finished, read by Prime Minister John Key in a crowded Beehive theatre last night.

"Our forgiveness comes from our painful history," Sir Paul, deputy chairman of the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust, said before reading the statement. "And apology, forgiveness, leads on to the greatest prize, which is reconciliation."

Iwi group Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika made up of Te Atiawa, Ngati Tama, Ngati Ruanui and Ngati Mutunga iwi occupied most of Wellington at the time of early European settlement.

Their Treaty claim related to the Crown's failure to administer agreed reserves for the iwi, and the loss of their connection to the harbour, forests, waterways and natural resources in the Wellington region.

The apology said the Crown was "deeply sorry that it has not always lived up to its Treaty of Waitangi obligations" and hoped the settlement would "restore its honour which has been tarnished by its actions".

Between songs, Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson said the note of forgiveness showed "great generosity of spirit" from the iwi.

Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust chairman Ngatata Love echoed Sir Paul's call for forgiveness and said it was "time to let go and move forward".

But he warned Mr Finlayson that the iwi looked forward to meeting with him "next week" about provisions in the settlement for greater access to government.

TARANAKI SETTLEMENT

The agreement includes a cash settlement of more than $25 million.

As part of the deal, the iwi have bought the former air force base at Shelly Bay, a prime Wellington waterfront spot.

The iwi can also buy certain properties and lease them back to the Crown, including Archives New Zealand, the National Library and the High Court.

The deal includes an annual hui between the iwi and a minister of the Crown to help facilitate access to government services.

- © Fairfax NZ News