Explanatory note

This note is not part of the order, but is intended to indicate its general effect.

This order brings into force, on 28 August 1997, section 26(2) of the Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act 1995. That subsection deems the Waitangi Tribunal to have made a final recommendation under section 8HB(1)(a) of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 that the whole of the Onewhero forest land be returned to Maori ownership, subject to any relevant Crown forestry licence, by being transferred to the land holding trustee. That subsection also applies the provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, the Crown Forests Act 1989 (other than section 36(1)(b)), and the Crown Forestry Rental Trust deed. The principal effect of bringing section 26(2) of the Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act 1995 into force is to require the Crown to return Onewhero Forest to Maori ownership, subject to any relevant Crown forestry licence.