When I last addressed you all, those who were accessible virtually in this place of Parliament but those from further afar, at the first reading, in my acknowledgment, I extended reference to—should I have the privilege to address the House and you all here and from afar today—the significance of the apology. I turn to clause 10 of the bill, which will be enshrined into law: "The Crown makes the following apology to Ngāti Rangitihi, to your tūpuna and to your mokopuna, and recognises your arduous journey in pursuit of justice. This apology is long overdue. The Crown is profoundly sorry for the many hardships and tribulations … unreservedly apologises for its failure, … sincerely apologises for its aggressive acquisition of Ngāti Rangitihi lands … The Crown apologises for failing to ensure that Ngāti Rangitihi had sufficient land for your present and future needs. … The Crown's failure to protect the Tarawera River, a taonga of immense economic, cultural, and spiritual significance to Ngāti Rangitihi, left the river defiled, degraded and polluted. … For this the Crown apologises. … The Crown's wish is that through this settlement it can restore its sullied honour and atone for the past injustices … The Crown hopes this settlement will be a starting point rather than an end, and will signal the beginning of a new, strengthened relationship based on co-operation, mutual trust and respect". This formal apology, conveyed by Minister Little at the signing of the deed of settlement at Rangitihi Marae, Matatā on 5 December 2020, will, in the passage of this bill into law, be forever scripted there.