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August 11, 2016
Hapu rangatiratanga central to Ngapuhi report
Waatea Team
Posted On August 11, 2016
The co-chair of Te Kotahitanga o Nga Hapu Ngapuhi says opposing factions have now agreed on most of the issues identified by the Waitangi Tribunal report on how the crown gave the Ngapuhi Runanga-backed Tuhoronuku the mandate to negotiate the Northland tribe's treaty settlement, but urban representation is still a major sticking point.
A joint engagement group yesterday released the final version of the Maranga Mai report on what needs to be done for negotiations to restart.
It proposes a structure where hapu will choose representatives to regional forums which will make decisions about negotiations.
Pita Tipene says Te Kotahitanga continues to oppose separate urban seats at any level.
He says it's up to each hapu to reach out to its members, and they will need resources to do that, especially as most no longer live in Te Taitokerau.
"This is a grievance that has been made plain to the crown that their policies resulted in the people moving away from the whenua so it behoves on the govt to rectify that and help the hapu of Ngapuhi reconnect with their people wherever they are in the world. We are going to need a lot of time to do that but it needs to be set on a strong foundation of hapu rangatiratanga," Mr Tipene says.
Maranga Mai will be reported back over the next three or four months and hapu will have to decide whether or not they want to be part of the new structure.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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