April 21, 2014
Crown negotiator picked for Ngapuhi claim
A former top trade negotiator who challenged proposals to radically restructure the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade has been picked to negotiate the remaining historical claims in Northland.
Nigel Fyfe will sit across the table from negotiators chosen by the Ngapuhi settlement body Tuhoronuku, which is currently holding elections despite continued opposition from some parts of the tribe.
Paula Rebstock, who conducted an inquiry into how information was leaked to opposition politicians, criticised Mr Fyfe and another senior diplomat, Derek Leask, for communicating their concerns about the restructuring to ministers.
Mr Leask, whose last posting before retirement was as High Commissioner to London, says the appointment confirms the Rebstock report was seriously flawed and has been discounted or even ignored.
He says Mr Fyfe has been sought out to do a major task worthy of his talents and his experience, and people on both sides of the Treaty Settlement process will find him fair, thoughtful and reasoned.
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