March 17, 2014
Ngati Rehia backing Tuhoronuku
Bay of Islands hapu Ngati Rehia has dropped its opposition to Tuhoronuku and will seek a seat on the body that has been given the mandate to negotiate a settlement to Ngapuhi’s historic claims.
Spokesperson Nora Rameka says hapu members braved the weekend storm to attend a hui at Whitiora Marae, Te Tii, to endorse the move.
It puts Ngati Rehia, which has up to 10,000 members, at odds with Ngati Hine and Hokianga hapu who continue to oppose Tuhoronuuku because of its close link to Te Runanga o Ngapuhi.
Mrs Rameka says the hapu is proud of the opposition it put up to the initial Tuhoronuku proposal, and it achieved many of the changes it was seeking.
She says the best place to continue the fight is at the table.
Ngati Rehia will continue to prepare for Waitangi Tribunal hearings on its claims.
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