Iwi and local govt sign historic deal

Published: 7:15PM Saturday January 17, 2009

Source: ONE News

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Source: ONE News

Watch Video Iwi and local govt sign historic deal (01:46)

Central North Island Maori have signed an historic deal with the Taupo District Council, giving Ngati Tuwharetoa significant powers over resource consents for Maori land.

It is the first time such a deal has been signed, and the occasion was marked by some 200 locals Iwi and government officials gathering to witness the historic signing.

The Iwi will now have equal representation by accredited people on the council when it comes to deciding their resource management issues.

It has taken a year to plan, but it has been almost two centuries in the making.

Taupo mayor Rick Cooper says when Tuwharetoa want to do something with their land, they can appoint half of the commissioners who sit on the panel.

He says it allows the Iwi to be masters of their destiny.

Cooper says about 50% of the land in the Taupo District is owned by Tuwharetoa.

Other Iwi and councils around the country will be watching with interest.

And if it works, this may prove to be the model for other local bodies and Iwi nationwide.