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SEVEN generations of grievance were laid to rest with the historic signing of the Ngai Tahu deed of settlement at Takahanga Marae in Kaikoura yesterday.
A sense of joy and relief was apparent among the Ngai Tahu people at the ceremony. It was a contrast to the tribe's disappointment and bitterness in dealings with the Crown over the past 148 years.
Parliament now has to approve the settlement. The Crown made the $170 million offer in September, and tribal beneficiaries have since voted overwhelmingly to accept.
A High Court challenge to stop acceptance of the deed was made by the Ngai Tuahuriri runanga (council) of Tuahiwi, but it was withdrawn on Wednesday.
Signing the deed yesterday was one of Jim Bolger's last acts as Prime Minister. Addressing his successor, Jenny Shipley, who was at the ceremony, he said: "The task of carrying forward the treaty settlement process passes to you. You get little thanks, many critics, and your friends desert you.
"That challenge lies with you to provide that leadership. I'm sure you will."
Mr Bolger said the Crown had moved from ignorance about the depth of Maori grievance, to suspicion about the insistence of Maori leaders, to a willingness to work together to find solutions.
"For much...