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WELLINGTON, New Zealand, July 30 -- The government of New Zealand issued the following news release:
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Christopher Finlayson welcomed the enactment of the Port Nicholson Block (Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika) Claims Settlement Bill in Parliament today.
Representatives of Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika were in Parliament to witness the passage of the legislation, and also attended a ceremony held in the Beehive immediately afterwards for the Crown's formal apology to Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika.
The Act is the final stage in the settlement of Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika's historical Treaty of Waitangi claims.
The claims of Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika related to breaches by the Crown of its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi, particularly the Crown's dealings over, and acquisition of, the Port Nicholson Block, and its long delays in ensuring there was appropriate administration of the lands reserved for Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika.
The settlement provides for commercial and cultural redress, a financial package of around $25 million, and the vesting of various culturally significant sites around the Port Nicholson area. It also provides for a formal apology from the Crown, and for a formal statement of forgiveness to the Crown. This allows the closure of historical grievances and the beginning of a new relationship between the two parties.
"The enactment of this bill shows the government's continued commitment towards its goal of settling historical Treaty claims by 2014," said Mr Finlayson. "It is another example of a Treaty settlement that is good for iwi and good for New Zealand."
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