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Ngai Tuhoe says it’s declaring war on dependency, even if that means taking over its people’s dole payments.
The post-settlement iwi wants to take over social services, healthcare, housing and schools in its rohe in eastern Bay of Plenty and Te Urewera.
Chief negotiator Tamati Kruger says depending on benefits from the crown erodes Tuhoe identity, language and tikanga.
If Tuhoe gets control of social spending in its area, it would have different priorities to the crown.
"We are asking the crown to reinvest public money with our view that we can accomplish better results, better social benefits, than they can," he says.
Tamati Kruger says being a beneficiary is a type of servitude.
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