Historic Treaty Settlement with Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Passes Final Reading

The Crown has settled historic Treaty settlement claims with Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana as legislation passes its final reading in Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

Today marks an important milestone for Ngāti Ruapani and their longstanding connection to Waikaremoana and Te Urewera. We recognise the historical grievances suffered by Ngāti Ruapani, and acknowledge the generations of uri who have worked to secure today’s outcome.

This settlement resolves historical claims relating to Crown actions in the Waikaremoana district, including the use of a scorched earth policy against Ngāti Ruapani kāinga, the acquisition of four southern blocks under threat of confiscation and the use of aggressive tactics to acquire the Waikaremoana block.

It recognises the enduring aspiration of Ngāti Ruapani for their uri to return home, and the deep responsibility they hold as kaitiaki of Waikaremoana, supporting their vision for future prosperity, cultural revitalisation, and the shared stewardship of Te Urewera.

We hope this lays the foundation for future economic, cultural and social development while strengthening the iwi connection to their ancestral lands.

The redress package includes: The addition of approximately 12,000 hectares to Te Urewera.

The return of several cultural redress properties.

A financial and commercial redress package of $24 million.

Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana is centred around Lake Waikaremoana in the central North Island.

The Ngāti Ruapanim mai Waikaremoana Claims Settlement Bill gives effect to the Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Deed of Settlement – signed on 25 February 2026 in Tūwai, near the shores of Lake Waikaremoana. A copy of the deed of settlement is available at Te Tari Whakatau - Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana.