Auckland and Hauraki iwi Ngāti Pāoa is celebrating the passing of its Treaty settlement, marking a significant milestone in settling decades-long historical grievances with the Crown.
Around 500 descendants of the iwi travelled to Parliament to witness the third and final reading of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Bill.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith said the Crown acknowledged the “accumulative effect” of its actions which included raupatu (confiscation) and the impact of the Native Land Courts.
“These left Ngāti Pāoa virtually landless and undermined the economic, social and cultural development of the iwi, breaching the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles.
“The Crown also acknowledged it breached the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles when it invaded the Waikato, attacking Ngāti Pāoa and shelled the unfortified village of Pūkorokoro in 1863 causing the death of iwi members.”
The settlement includes an apology and a redress package of $23.5 million with the opportunity to purchase seven commercial properties.
Chair Herearoha Skipper said it was a time for reflection and celebration after a “multi-generation journey” to settle their grievances with the Crown.
“Too many of our elders and whānau have passed in the time it has taken to reach today, therefore it is our duty to ensure that our next generation can confidently move forward.”
Ngāti Pāoa territory touches much of the Hauraki Gulf, extending from the Hauraki Plains to the Coromandel Peninsula, parts of Auckland and many of the gulf’s islands, including Waiheke.
Skipper said their people were a waka people who travelled by water and settled in different locations at different times, using resources “as the seasons determined”.
“So, the Ngāti Pāoa rohe is extensive and in many areas we overlap with other iwi, which means this is an opportunity to strengthen our relationships, including with our Marutūāhu whanaunga.”
She said they were conscious that many of their whanaunga (relatives) and neighbouring iwi have yet to conclude their settlements which impacts some aspects of their settlement but is confident of a resolution “before the next general election”.
“The Pare Hauraki Collective Redress Bill was introduced to Parliament in December 2022 but has not yet had a first reading. The Marutūāhu Iwi Collective Redress Deed needs to be signed by the Crown, on the basis of what was offered and without change.
“Without these, the Crown will not have fully delivered the Ngāti Pāoa settlement package.”
She added: “As an iwi we need to move forward to build a better future for our people, to be leaders in business, to be better hosts to the communities who live in our rohe, to forge tribal relationships, and to continue our work to restore the taiao (environment) across our rohe and including Tīkapa Moana. Enacting the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Bill is an important step to achieve this.”
