Mana for Waikato-Tainui

A historic day for Waikato-Tainui iwi and the Waikato river. It is a groundbreaking solution to restoring the river and it's mauri - that will be good for all people.

From NZH

"Tainui and the Crown will jointly govern, restore and protect the Waikato River under the terms of a Treaty of Waitangi claim settlement enacted by Parliament yesterday.

The public galleries of the debating chamber were packed with iwi members and the Maori King, Tuheitia, was seated beside Speaker Lockwood Smith as the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Claims (Waikato River) Settlement Bill was passed on a voice vote.

It had cross-party support with the exception of the Act Party.

Working together is the way to go. Actualising kaitiaki responsibility to tangata whenua is the way to go. Creating a celebration that binds people together is the way to go. Congratulations to all who worked for the kaupapa.

There is still a long way to go, but we must recognise and rejoice in these achievements.