18 November 2002 Media Release

$1.6M IN FORESTRY RENTALS HANDED OVER TO NORTHERN MĀORI

The Crown Forestry Rental Trust will today transfer over $1.6m in forestry rental proceeds, which are part of the Te Uri o Hau settlement with the Crown.

Trust Chief Executive, Karen Waterreus, said the hand over completed the settlement as far as CFRT was involved.

She said the Trust provided a range of services focused towards settling the claim over a 10-year period.

“This is a practical reminder of the significance of establishing the Trust when the day arrives that CFRT can hand over the accumulated rentals,” she said.

“This organisation is uniquely positioned to assist Māori through the entire settlement process from start to finish and wishes to see forestry claims settled.  From that point of view we can assist, but ultimately it is up to Māori and the Crown to bring some finality to forestry claims.”

Trust assistance has contributed significantly to the settlement through historical research support and funding to help claimants prepare their case.

This is the third time the Trust has been able to complete its part of a settlement having handed over $35m in rental proceeds to Ngai Tahu in 2000 and $245, 662 to Tainui in 1997.

The cutting rights to Mangawhai that involve Te Uri o Hau are currently held by Carter Holt Harvey Forests.  UBS Mahoe II Ltd holds the rights to Pouto.

Last year the Trust received $78,960 in rentals for Mangawhai - $103,250 for Pouto.