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A Manawatu iwi says its identity is being stolen by a Palmerston North social services provider – and Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson is going along with it.
Rangitane o Manawatu met last week with local MP Tariana Turia to vent their concern that the crown was negotiating a settlement of their claims with Tanenuiarangi Manawatu Incorporated.
Lawyer Moana Sinclair says Tanenuiarangi Manawatu was set up as a social service provider more than 15 years ago by the late Ruth Harris.
She says it claimed the mantle of both Rangitane for its activities, and was recognised by former treaty minister Doug Graham as the tribe’s representatives even though it does not include many of the leading families.
"Mr Finlayson for his part he's simply carrying on the mistake that Doug Graham created way back. So is he helpful ? No he's been nothing but evasive and completely ignoring these people here " she says.
Moana Sinclair says the crown’s support for Tanenuiarangi Manawatu is affecting neighbouring iwi, because the organisation has laid blanket claims over land associated with Ngati Raukawa and Muaupoko.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MOANA SINCLAIR CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjAyNzQ=
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