March 17, 2013
Soul of Ngapuhi exposed in hearings
The Waitangi Tribunal opens its stage two hearings of Ngapuhi’s historic claims at Te Tii Mārae in Waitangi today.
While stage one hearings dealt with what northern iwi understood the Treaty of Waitangi and the earlier Declaration of Independence means, the next two years of hearings will cover how the land was lost.
There are still major question marks over how hearings will be funded.
Proceedings could also be halted if the Government decides there is sufficient agreement within the iwi to start direct negotiations, although Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson has indicated negotiations could occur in parallel with the Tribunal inquiry.
Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira says the hearings will be a wānanga with 600 people expected to attend.
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