Waka Issue Resolved

Wellington City Council today received payment of $150,000 for the waka Te Raukura.

The transaction means Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika is the new owner of Te Raukura and the Council will abandon legal proceedings in the High Court.

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says she is pleased the issue has been resolved.

"Arguments and disagreement about the ownership and care of Te Raukura have dogged the Council for 22 years,'' says the Mayor.

"This is a good outcome. High Court action would have been expensive and would not have contributed to positive relationships.

"This settlement means the number of waka in the wider Wellington area will increase and is the best outcome for all parties. I look forward to working positively with Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika in the future.''

Mayor Wade-Brown confirmed Council's resolution that proceeds from the settlement would be reinvested in a waka to be housed in the whare waka on Wellington's waterfront.