A landmark agreement has been signed at parliament between the government and Ngati Porou.
The agreement will allow both party's to work towards an
agreement on Ngati Porou's customary rights to the seabed and
foreshore and its tribal areas.
It will also give Ngati Porou legal status to negotiate a deal
finalising its customary rights.
Announcing the deal Attorney-General Michael Cullen said the deal was important and historic.
"That we have been able to reach agreement on a matter on which
we all hold strong views reflects the good faith and sincerity with
which Ngati Porou have approached these negotiations," Cullen
said.
The deal also sets up formal channels between the tribe and the
government for negotiations.
Ngati Porou spokesman Dr Apirana Mahuika says there is no payout or financial compensation as part of the deal but they were never seeking any.
He says the greatest thing for them was the reaffirmation of
their mana and that's something money can't buy.
The deal is the first between the government and the tribe under
the Foreshore and Seabed Act.
