The Crown and Tauranga iwi Ngati Ranginui have initialled a Deed of Settlement for all historical Treaty of Waitangi claims.
The deed, which signals the end of substantive negotiations, was initialled in a ceremony at Huria Marae in Tauranga with Maori King Tuheitia present.
The settlement includes $31 million and the return of the Omanawa River Conservation Area, the Mangaone Stream Conservation Area, Taumata and Te Awa Ngamuwahine.
The Crown was represented by Consumer Affairs Minister Simon Bridges, who says the settlement is about mending broken relations and moving towards a better future for all.
Mr Bridges says it will also provide opportunities for economic development in the Tauranga region. He says it is the first of three settlements in the area and expects Ngati Ranginui will invest in local businesses.
If the deed of settlement is ratified by the people of Ngati Ranginui, the settlement will be signed and implemented through legislation.
