So really forgiveness to whom...

Crown receives statement of forgiveness: Forgiveness to whom?

Iwi delivered the first ever statement of forgiveness to the Crown at Parliament last night, in regard to the Port Nicholson Block Settlement in the Wellington region.

The statement by Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika followed a formal apology by Prime Minister, John Key, on behalf of the Crown.

"The Crown unreservedly apologises to your ancestors, to their descendents and to the people of Taranaki Whanui today for its actions which have hurt and caused prejudice to you."

Sir Paul Reeves responded by delivering the statement of forgiveness on behalf of the tribe.

"We acknowledge and forgive the Crown for its actions that caused hurt and prejudice for Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika. We acknowledge and accept the Crown's profound regret."

The historic moment capped off the enactment of the Port Nicholson Block Settlement which provides for redress and a financial package of around $25 million. The legislation settles claims involving the wider Wellington region and includes ownership of the three Wellington Harbour islands.

The Deed of Settlement will settle all the historical claims of the Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika collective in the Port Nicholson Block. The collective includes Te Atiawa, Ngati Tama, Ngati Ruanui, Taranaki and some Taranaki

No mention was made that these lands were usurped from their original Maori owners in or about 1835. The Crown has supported what in fact is sheer hypocricy by the Taranaki iwi. To take land by force from other iwi is okay, but when Pakeha did the some thing to the usurpers, there was obviously a different set of rules? Is there any apology or compensation given to the original owners of these lands? Perhaps 10% of the final settlement would be a fair amount?

So really forgiveness to whom?