Summary of the historical background to the Whanganui River claims of Whanganui Iwi

The Whanganui River is New Zealand’s longest navigable river, stretching for 290km from the slopes of Mount Tongariro to the Tasman Sea. The Whanganui River Deed of Settlement – Ruruku Whakatupua – is the culmination of over a century’s effort by Whanganui Iwi to protect and provide for its special relationship with the Whanganui River. Ruruku Whakatupua settles the historical Treaty of Waitangi claims of Whanganui Iwi in relation to the Whanganui River.