ATNS - Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements project

Back to search results

Print this page
Ngati Ruanui Deed of Settlement
Date:	12 May 2001
Sub Category:	Deed of Settlement (New Zealand)
Place:	Southern Taranaki
	Click this link to search this location with google maps
State/Country:	Aotearoa - New Zealand
	Click this link to search this location with google maps
Payments:	($41000000)
Subject Matter:	Compensation \| Land Settlement \| Recognition of Native Title or Traditional Ownership \| Recognition of Traditional Rights and Interests
Summary Information:
The Ngati Ruanui's claims relate in general terms to breaches by the Crown of its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi, in particular the waging of war resulting in loss of life and the confiscation of land and other land dealings. Negotiations on a settlement began in April 1999, and were made complete on 12 May 2001. The settlement includes a formal acknowledgement by the Crown of breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles, and a Crown apology. Cultural and Commercial redress are also included in the settlement which will benefit all members of Ngati Ruanui, wherever they live.
Detailed Information:
Crown Apology The Crown apologised to Ngati Ruanui for past dealings that breached the Crown's obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi including the Taranaki wars and the confiscation of large areas of land that left Ngati Ruanui largely without land in spite of their desire to retain it. And, as a result of the perpetual leases imposed by the Crown, much of the land subsequently returned to Ngati Ruanui was no longer under their control. Cultural Redress In recognising the traditional, historical, cultural and spiritual associations to places and sites owned by the Crown within the rohe of Ngati Ruanui the Crown will protect and enhance the conservation values of certain areas and sites. Statutory Acknowledgements will register the special association Ngati Ruanui has with an area, and Deeds of Recognition will require the Crown to consult Ngati Ruanui and have regard for their views regarding the special association. Special Area or Taki Poipoiia o Ngati Ruanui will give additional status to an existing conservation area that acknowledges Ngati Ruanui's traditional, cultural, spiritual and historic values and associations. This status requires the Minister of Conservation and Ngati Ruanui to develop and publicise a set of principles which will assist the Minister to avoid harming or diminishing Ngati Ruanui values. The Deed of Settlement also provides for the establishment of protocols to enhance a good working relationship, on cultural matters of importance to Ngati Ruanui, between Ngati Ruanui and the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, and the Department of Conservation. The spelling of one placename will be changed (Mangimangi Stream to Manemange Stream) and three sites currently without official names will be named (Whitikau, Maraeroa and Te Ramanui). Under the Deed, four areas of significance will be returned to Ngati Ruanui. These sites include one hectare of the Tarere Conservation Area, the Maben Conservation Area (subject to an easement in favour of Trustpower for hydro purposes), the Pukemoko Pa site within the Otoki Gorge Scenic Reserve, the Kaikura Conservation Area, and part of the bed of Lake Kaikura (subject to protection for existing lawful use and access). The Makino Scenic Reserve will be vested in Ngati Ruanui to administer and two district councils have agreed to transfer the Turuturu Mokai Historic Reserve and the land on which Whakaahurangi Marae is located. In order to restore Ngati Ruanui access to traditional foods and food gathering areas, Ngati Ruanui will be appointed an Advisory Committee to the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Fisheries. The Committee will provide advice on the management of fisheries in the Ngati Ruanui area of interest. The Deed also contains special provisions relating to fisheries. In addition, Ngati Ruanui members will have access to areas of up to one hectare of land near a waterway which gives access to traditional sources of food. Members will have the right to use these entitlements for non-commercial, lawful fishing and food gathering purposes for up to 210 days a year. Commercial Redress This redress recognises the economic loss suffered by Ngati Ruanui arising from breaches by the Crown of its Treaty of Waitangi obligations. It aims to provide Ngati Ruanui with resources to assist it to develop its economic and social well being. It includes a combination of cash and Crown-owned land up to a value of $41 million, and the Right of First Refusal, for a period of fifty years, to buy, at market value, certain surplus Crown-owned properties in their area of interest.