The Mōkai Pātea rohe, region, stretches across Taihape, Moawhango, Opaea, Winiata, Utiku, Mangaweka and Rātā, encompassing the Ruahine Ranges. A Central North Island iwi trust is one step closer to treaty settlement. Mōkai Pātea Waitangi Climes Trust's mandate was recognised by the Crown this week after extensive mahi and acceptance from the majority of the whānau in its rohe, region. Mōkai Pātea was one of the last areas of Aotearoa-New Zealand in which Māori land was alienated by the Crown and Pākehā settlers, the Trust's statement said. Eighty per cent of participants in the 2019 Mandate poll voted for The Mōkai Pātea Waitangi Claims Trust to represent the claimant community in negotiations with the Crown.

Source: Stuff March 24, 2021 00:00 UTC