November 13, 2012
Taranaki Whānui fighting Ngāti Toa deal
Lawyers for Taranaki Whānui have told how the iwi feels betrayed by the Crown’s proposed settlement with neighbouring iwi Ngāti Toa.
The iwi was in the High Court yesterday and today to challenge the inclusion of properties around Wellington in the Porirua-based tribe’s package, including Taputeranga Island at Island Bay and acknowledgement of interests in the Hutt River and its tributaries.
Lawyer Philip Green said there had been a lack of consultation and discussion with Taranaki Whānui about the offer, which was concealed from it while their own settlement was being negotiated.
But Justice Joe Williams, a former Māori Land Court chief judge, said the iwi had been fighting over the harbour for generations and he doubted discussions would have meant everyone would have walked away happy.
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd