Some Rangitane members are crying foul at the way the Crown is negotiating the Manawatu tribe’s historic claims without going through a Waitangi Tribunal process.
Ko Te Pou Marangatahi O Rangitane Ki Manawatu spokesperson Ra Durie says the Office of Treaty Settlements has negotiated a draft settlement with and incorporated society, Tanenuiarangi Manawatu.
He says the group has a good track record of accessing government funds to provide social services, but it has no customary rights to negotiate on behalf of Rangitane.
He says Tanenuiarangi Manawatu don’t even have to whakapapa to Rangitane.
His group has sought an urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing into the validity of the negotiations.
