Tuhoe want to be more independent but will never be a nation within nZ

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Updated at 3:03 pm today

The Prime Minister says New Zealanders have nothing to fear from Tuhoe becoming more independent of the Government over the next few decades.

The Maori tribe has agreed to settle its historical grievances with the Crown in return for $170 million of compensation, an apology and more control over a national park in the North Island.

Tuhoe representatives attend the ceremony at Parliament.

PHOTO: RADIO NEW ZEALAND

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There was high emotion as Tuhoe representatives arrived at Parliament on Friday to take part in the signing of the Deed of Settlement.

Agreement on a package was reached in September 2012, which includes the Crown's acknowledgement of Treaty of Waitangi breaches.

The Crown said the payout is to recognise the severe and brutal treatment against Tuhoe during the 1800s. It will cede ownership of Te Urewera National Park to a separate legal entity to be governed by a board of Crown and Tuhoe members.

Tamati Kruger has stepped down from his role as negotiator.

PHOTO: RADIO NEW ZEALAND

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The deal also includes acknowledgement of mana motuhake. That means that within the next 40 years, Tuhoe will gradually take control of its own affairs - for example, in the provision of education, health and welfare services.

Prime Minister John Key said on Friday there is nothing in the deal that should concern other New Zealanders.

"I think we've now reached a very sensible place and one that will ensure that all New Zealanders can access what will continue to be, for all intents and purposes, a national park.

"But also, ensure that for the people of Tuhoe they can actually achieve a fair settlement and a recognition of what was an iwi that suffered terribly."

Tuhoe's chief negotiator Tamati Kruger told those gathered at Parliament that the iwi and Crown have overcome the dis-ease of colonisation, the impulsiveness of politics and the defiance of change.

Mr Kruger said he was resigning from his role, as his work is done.

The Deed of Settlement needs to be ratified by the tribe's members before legislation is drawn up.

Copyright © 2013, Radio New Zealand


http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/nz-politics-daily-tuhoe-mini-state-ck-128202