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A row over negotiation of a Hawkes Bay treaty claim could spill over into this weekend’s Federation of Maori Authorities Conference in Hastings.
A group from Ngati Hineuru picketed the opening at the Hawkes Bay Opera House this morning to protest against FOMA chair Traci Houpapa’s involvement in their claim.
Spokesperson John Wano says Ms Houpapa has hijacked their claim and moved it to her office in Hamilton, where it is managed by people the iwi has never met.
He says Ms Houpapa is not a tribal member but a hired expert who has used her position as chair of FOMA and co-chair of the Maori appointers to the Crown Forestry Rental Trust to her personal advantage.
Mr Wano says Ms Houpapa failed to disclose to Ngati Hineuru board members how much she is being paid by the trust to manage their claim.
He says in her role as a Maori appointer, she also failed to disclose her personal involvement through Ngati Hinueru.
Ms Houpapa could not be reached for comment.
Ngati Hinuera signed an agreement in principal in October 2012 for a $25 million settlement, including the return of the Tarawera Hot Springs Scenic Reserve and the transfer and gift back of Waipunga Falls Scenic Reserve.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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