With this Settlement we will have the resources to support intergenerational growth of our cultural and economic assets, our people, our whenua, and our moana.
The financial value of the Settlement is one of the largest in New Zealand and includes $100m (and $3.5m in accrued interest) as well as the return of 6672ha of land, and allocation of 5000ha of marine space.
The real value of our Settlement lies in the 5000ha of marine space. Now that the Opotiki harbour development project is being funded we will be able to develop the entire marine space. Over time we expect the value of the aquaculture business to exceed the financial value of the Settlement.
In commercial terms the prospective value of the sea space that has been secured has a potential to dwarf the number value set out within the Settlement, especially alongside the recent investment made by the Infrastructure Fund in the Ōpōtiki harbour.
This Settlement is for Whakatōhea and it will be up to all of Whakatōhea to make it work for our people. This is why the structure of the Post-Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) is so important. It is up to the representatives on the PSGE to ensure the Settlement generates income and is distributed in ways that support the aspirations of Whakatōhea.
In addition to the $100m there is also a significant amount of land being returned (6692ha). This is far in excess of what is normally provided and recognises the subsequent land loss through non-raupatu means. Similarly, the 5000ha of marine space has never before been used as Settlement redress but will provide additional value once consented. Our relationship with the Tertiary Education Commission is also unique and provides additional leverage into getting appropriate training for our people.
Part of the raupatu were lands confiscated and sold privately. We can’t get back these privately-owned lands within this Settlement. However, the Settlement will provide us with the seeds to assert effective control within our rōhe. As lands become available, we can purchase them if we want. An ongoing aspiration is to achieve complete ownership of our rōhe even if it is one acre at a time.
In comparison to other Iwi, we are in the top 7 Settlements of all time. Only 7 Settlements have been more than $100 million. Within that top 7, we have the highest per person ratio, in that all of the others have had significantly higher populations. See the infographic to see how this Settlement compares against other Iwi Settlements.
| Group | Quantum | Added Value | Total | Population (2013) | Raupatu | Report at AIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waikato-Tainui (Raupatu) | 170 million | 60 million (approx.) | 230 million | 40,083 | Yes | No |
| Ngai Tahu | 170 million | 50 million (approx. and still contested) | 220 million | 54,819 | No | No |
| Tuhoe | 169 million | - | 169 million | 34,887 | Yes | No (had inquiry) |
| Ngai Tahu | 90 million | 20 million | 110 million | 71,049 | No | No |
| Heretaunga Tamatea | 100 million | 5 million | 105 million | 15,900 | No | No |
| Te Tira Whakaemi | 100 million | - | - | - | No | No |
| Whakatōhea (2017) | 85 million | 85 million + marine space | 100 million + marine space | 12,177 | Yes | No |
| Whakatōhea (1996) | 40 million | - | 40 million | 8000+ (1996 estimate) | Yes | No |
| Maniapoto | 165 million | - | 165 million | 35,358 | Yes | No (had inquiry) |
The Historical Account is being drafted at the moment and you have the chance to read it and suggest additions via the WPCT trustees or the Komiti Whiriwhiri Hītori.
The Historic Account sets out a concise history of Whakatōhea and its raupatu. It also sets out the range of Whakatōhea grievances with the Crown. It has been developed from various research reports and verified with our whānau over the past few years. It is not the entire history of Whakatōhea but is an important component of the Settlement process as this account will sit within the Deed of Settlement and will be the basis by which the Crown acknowledges any breaches to the Treaty and creates an Apology.
The Deed of Settlement, and therefore the Historic Account, will sit in the legislation that is passed once the Settlement has been ratified (accepted and voted on by Whakatōhea).
Here are some links to resources that support the Historical Account:
View Here »
We need you to have your say, Kōrero mai.
Here is a link to the DRAFT Whakatōhea Historical Account. View Here »
