Iwi ties up big treaty claims package

Another Marlborough iwi is close to an agreement with the Crown about its multi-million-dollar historical treaty claims package.

Rangitane iwi announced today the deed of settlement had been initialled by the Crown and would be ratified by members before becoming official later in the year.

The agreement includes financial and commercial redress of about $24.8 million, as well as ownership of significant sites around Marlborough.

Rangitane principal negotiator Richard Bradley said the financial and commercial package would be used to develop the iwi's social and economic future, and would give the iwi a chance to re-establish an economic base.

Marlborough-Nelson iwi Ngati Kuia initialled its draft deed of settlement with the Government last Friday, part of a wider Te Tau Ihu (eight top of the south iwi) package worth nearly $300m, which includes Crown land and money.

Deeds of settlement between the other six iwi, Ngati Apa, Ngati Koata, Ngati Rarua, Ngati Tama, Ngati Toa and Te Atiawa, are expected to be finalised over the next few months.

Rangitane, Ngati Apa and Ngati Kuia negotiated with the Crown as part of the Kurahaupo group.

- The Marlborough Express

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