October 24, 2013
Te Atiawa explaining new structure
Taranaki iwi Te Atiawa is looking to hold a series of wananga on how its post-settlement government entity will work.
In a ratification vote earlier this year, 82 percent of members said they wanted Te Atiawa Iwi Authority to continue negotiating the iwi's claims and 78 percent approved the the final settlement go to Te Kotahitanga O Te Atiawa.
Authority chair Wikitoria Keenan says some members were concerned there hadn't been enough engagement in developing the entity, so this will be dealt with by the hui.
Te Atiawa is waiting to hear whether the Government will hand over 20 percent of the settlement on account to Te Kotahitanga so it can start developing the systems and infrastructure the tribe needs.
She says members have already been elected in a way that mends a long-standing rift in the iwi.
"The model that people voted on was four delegates from Te Atiawa Iwi Authority and four from Te Atiawa Taranaki Settlements Trust, which is our fisheries entity. They are what's called our initial trustees, they are the ones that will go forward and actually establish, eventually, and also there will be an election in about 18 months time," Ms Keenan says.
Te Atiawa hopes to conclude its settlement next year.
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