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March 06, 2014
Personality by-pass needed for Ngapuhi progress
Waatea Team
Posted On March 6, 2014
Former Tai Tokerau MP and Ngapuhi elder Dover Samuels says Ngapuhi leaders need to see the big picture and get on with resolving the iwi’s historic treaty claims.
Two hui yesterday to explain the next steps by negotiating body Tuhoronuku were cancelled at short notice yesterday because of protests by some hapu opposed to it having the mandate.
Mr Samuels says the first three Tuhoronuku hui on Monday and Tuesday showed people wanted Ngapuhi move forward, but there is still division about how that should be done.
He says personality conflicts are diverting the tribe.
"And I just hope that those who are driving the take will recognise that it’s no more personalities and possible runanga and hapu mana-munching but it’s time to put all those differences aside, reconcile, come together and leave aside the names of Tuhoronuku, leave aside the names of Kotahitanga, leave aside the names of Sonny Tau and Pita Tipene and all the others," he says.
Mr Samuels says it would be a mistake for the crown to see those opposing Tuhoronuku as a small group outside the tent, and it needs to put more effort into bringing the factions together.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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