The Treaty Settlement Claims Bills of Tauranga Moana iwi are a testament to the tribes' determination to work together, believes Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell.

Tauranga Moana Iwi Collective Redress and Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Ranginui Claims Settlement Bill and the Ngāti Pukenga Claims Settlement Bill passed their first reading in Parliament last week.

Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell. Photo: File

Te Ururoa says by working collectively the iwi were utilising their resources more wisely which creates an opportunity for each tribe to achieve better outcomes for their people.

'I want to pay tribute to these tribes that have united to avoid competition against each other over their treaty settlement negotiations,” he says.

'Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Pūkenga are determined and committed to working together despite challenges.”

Tauranga Moana holds a significant place in this country's history, says Te Ururoa, and was the scene of bloodshed and cruelty, such as the Battle of Pukehinahina and Te Ranga.

'The ingenuity by Māori in the Battle of Pukehinahina outwitted British soldiers who were decimated by their opponent's use of reinforced bunkers and the illusion of defeat in 1864.

'But the colonial troops avenged their shame eight weeks later killing more than a hundred Māori warriors who they caught digging trenches.”

Māori and Pākehā lost lives in both conflicts and it is this past that we share, he believes.

'And which also brings both Māori and the Crown together to create a more effective future that benefits both Māori and non-Māori New Zealanders,” says Te Ururoa.