New Zealand apologizes to Maori tribe, signs $20.4M settlement for Treaty breaches

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - The New Zealand Crown has formally apologized to the central North Island Maori tribe Ngati Haua and agreed to a $20.4 million settlement for historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, Radio New Zealand reported Monday.

Delivering the apology on Saturday, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith expressed deep regret for the Crown’s actions, which caused significant harm to the iwi (tribe).

"The Crown is greatly sorry that it did not live up to the promise of te Tiriti/the Treaty, and instead brought discord, death and division to your iwi," Goldsmith said.

The deed of settlement was signed Saturday after eight years of negotiations, aiming to address longstanding grievances stemming from breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, signed on Feb. 6, 1840. The treaty serves as the foundation for the relationship between the New Zealand government and its Indigenous Maori population.

Goldsmith acknowledged a dark chapter in the tribe’s history, referencing the 1846 execution of a Ngati Haua ancestor.

"The Crown is deeply ashamed of and sorry for the horrific and reprehensible execution of your tupuna in 1846, and profoundly regrets that its behavior toward Ngati Haua in the 1840s sowed deep and well-deserved mistrust of the Crown," he said.

Hostilities between the Crown and Ngati Haua escalated in the 1860s due to government actions.

"The Crown is sincerely sorry for the severe toll warfare has had on Ngati Haua and the intergenerational stigma you still carry from being labelled rebels and fanatics," Goldsmith added.

In addition to financial compensation, the redress package includes the return of 64 culturally significant sites, including Nga Huinga (Cherry Grove), and a $6 million fund dedicated to cultural revitalization.