Descendants of Te Rangihouhiri could be in line for a settlement package worth $30 million for their treaty claims. During the past week, spokespeople for Ngāi Te Rangi have been visiting towns and cities throughout the country to inform descendants of details of a potential settlement package.
They may be a long way from their home of Tauranga Moana, but the finish line for their settlement claim is in sight.
Hauata Palmer says that the most important thing this week has been meeting descendants of Ngāi Te Rangi and informing them on their treaty settlement.
Ngāi Te Rangi lands were confiscated by the Crown in the 1800s. Since then, they have been left nearly landless and voiceless. Descendants are now being asked to vote on whether or not they agree to a settlement package valued at $30 million.
Like many other iwi that have settled throughout the country, Ngāi Te Rangi's hasn't been without its drama. Charlie Tawhiao says at the end of the day, they've come to an agreement allowing everyone to move forward.
Voting closes on November 22, and final results will be confirmed two days later, on the 24th of the same month.