Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach will receive geographic name changes following a new Treaty of Waitangi settlement.
Te Aupouri iwi became the first Far North iwi to sign a Treaty of Waitangi settlement on Saturday, 26 years after the claim was lodged.
The Te Aupouri Deed of Settlement was signed at Potahi Marae in Te Kao, 46km southwest of Cape Reinga.
The settlement provides $21.4 million in compensation from the Crown, and brings a collective settlement for Far North iwi a step closer.
It also sees 19 geographic names altered, including dual names for Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) and Ninety Mile Beach (Te Oneroa a Tohe).
A Te Oneroa a Tohe board will be established with iwi, Northland Regional Council and Far North District Council to manage Ninety Mile Beach, with the board to provide governance and direction over the beach's use, development and protection.
A total of 11 properties will be vested in Te Aupouri, and seven jointly vested with other iwi. The total area affected is 1370 hectares.
The Crown has also acknowledged the association between Te Aupouri and the Three Kings Islands, Raoul and Kermadec Islands and other areas, enhancing the iwi's ability to take part in resource management processes.
The Crown was represented by Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples.
Te Aupouri is one of five iwi based in the Northland region, which encompasses Ninety Mile Beach, and has about 9300 members.
The settlement includes an apology from the Crown.
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