22 Aug 2014

Thousands to gather for Crown apology

9:56 am on 22 August 2014

Thousands of Ngai Tuhoe members are making their way to Taneatua for the iwi's settlement day and to hear the formal apology from the Crown.

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Ngai Tuhoe's new headquarters at Te Uru Taumatua in Taneatua was officially opened this year. Photo: RNZ

It will take place at the iwi's new headquarters at Te Uru Taumatua in Taneatua.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson, along with a crown delegation, will make a formal apology to the iwi for Treaty breaches, as agreed under the settlement.

As part of that agreement, the Crown must apologise for past dealings with iwi, including indiscriminate raupatu, wrongful killings, and years of scorched earth warfare.

The $170 million settlement, which passed legislation last month, will see Te Urewera National Park become a new legal entity governed by a board of Tuhoe and Crown appointees.

After the formalities of the apology and acknowledgement, the day is also a celebration for Tuhoe, with entertainment for the thousands who have travelled from around the motu.

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