Ngāti Rangi and NZ Defence Force Sign Agreement to Return Land at Waiouru

A significant milestone in the relationship between the Crown and iwi has been reached following a recent agreement between Ngāti Rangi and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). As reported by Waatea News on 21 September 2026, the two parties signed an accord that facilitates the return of a portion of land in Waiouru to the iwi. Kemp Dryden, the Chair of Te Kumete o Paerangi, described the signing as a positive development for the ongoing collaboration between the Crown and Ngāti Rangi. The agreement marks a formal step toward restoring ancestral land that has long been under the control of the New Zealand Defence Force, traditionally used for military housing and support staff. The return of this land is expected to provide new opportunities for the iwi, particularly in the realm of housing. According to Dryden, the settlement allows the iwi to participate in the construction of new homes on the land, which has historically been held by the NZDF for soldiers and their families. This move is seen as a way to strengthen the iwi's presence in the region and provide sustainable housing options for the future. By securing this agreement, Ngāti Rangi continues to build on its strategic goals of land reclamation and community development. The collaboration reflects a growing trend of the Crown and Māori working together to resolve land-holding issues while ensuring practical outcomes like housing and social infrastructure are prioritised for local communities.