October 20, 2015
Tuhoronuku defends its mandate
Tuhoronuku chair Hone Sadler says the body will defend its mandate to negotiate a settlement to Ngapuhi's historic claims.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson met on Sunday with representatives from Te Kotahitangi o Nga Hapu o Ngapuhi, which opposes Tuhoronuku and the Ngapuhi Runanga.
He has also been critical of Tuhoronuku's change in leadership and wants it to address criticisms raised by the Waitangi Tribunal about hapu representation.
Mr Sadler says events have moved on since the tribunal heard evidence about the mandating process.
He says some dissent is inevitable, but it's Tuhoronuku's business how it is worked through.
"We're whanaunga and we can't forget that but in terms of political agendas we do have different agends but the difference is Tuhoronuku has a mandate and we will protect that mandate," Mr Sadler says.
He says fresh efforts are being made to bring opponents back into the tent, with lawyer Moana Tuwhare heading a committee to engage with hapu.
Meanwhile Ngapuhi Runanga chair Sonny Tau has stood down for 12 weeks from both the runanga and as its representative on Tuhoronuku.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH HONE SADLER CLICK ON THE LINK
http://www.waateanews.com/play_podcast?podlink=MzUzMjA=
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