3 Jul 2011

Government and Tuhoe sign landmark document

9:15 am on 3 July 2011

The Government and Tuhoe have signed a landmark document agreeing to acknowledge historical grievances and to move forward to a Treaty settlement.

About 500 people attended the signing in the Bay of Plenty township of Ruatahuna, including Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson and Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell.

Both sides want to move on from 140 years of difficulties, such as last year when Tuhoe believed the Government reversed its decision to return the Urewera National Park.

The agreement acknowledges the mana of the two parties and highlights a commitment to develop redress to settle the historical complaints.

Before the signing Mr Finlayson said the Government is deeply sorry for the way the iwi was treated in the past.

He said this means a fresh start for both sides.