2022 holds a lot of promise for those who whakapapa to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua and for the Settlement Trust.
In the latter half of 2021, after we had signed our Deed of Settlement, an urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing was held after claims by groups (not the Settlement Trust) were lodged.
The Tribunal later issued a decision which recommends, amongst other things, that the Crown postpones the introduction of the settlement legislation until certain litigation is completed and further processes are undertaken. The full decision of the Waitangi Tribunal can be found here. You can read more about our journey in 2021 here too.
The Settlement Trust has considered this report carefully, and advice it received.
Decisions around these issues have not been easy for the Trustees to arrive at by a consensus. However, the majority of Trustees voted to proceed with the settlement.
The decision regarding the objection of Rangitāne to the manner in which the five million dollars was negotiated in the Settlement Trust’s negotiations to help with the restoration of Wairarapa Moana, has also been challenging for the Trustees to consider. This has resulted in the five million dollars being withdrawn from our settlement and an agreement to address how this fund and its loss to our settlement will be dealt with after the introduction of the Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill.
In February 2022, relevant legislation is expected to be introduced to Parliament. Bills relating to our settlement will give legal effect to the aspects of the Deed of Settlement that require legislation. The bills will go through the Parliamentary process and become law.
Litigation due to take place in the Supreme Court is also expected to run its course in February 2022.
We will keep you updated on the outcomes of the litigation, and the progress of our settlement through Parliament too.
Additionally, due to COVID-19, we have also been prevented from holding a large gathering to celebrate our settlement despite holding a smaller ceremony in 2021. Typically, the Crown apology included in settlements is delivered when the Deed of Settlement is signed. However, the Treaty Negotiations Minister has agreed to travel to our rohe at a time that suits us, so we can hear it together when COVID-19 restrictions allow for it.
As of February 2022, no plans for this event have been locked in due to these restrictions. However, we will keep you updated as progress is made.