September 20, 2016
MPs get Ngapuhi claim briefing


Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson has canvassed Maori MPs with Ngapuhi connections on what his next steps should be regarding treaty settlement negotiations with the iwi.
Mr Finlayson has been pressuring the negotiating body Tuhoronuku to essentially hand over its mandate to a new hapu-driven body.
A majority of Tuhoronuku board members are resisting because of concerns over representation, and because they fear it will result in any settlement being fragmented among competing hapu.
New Zealand First MP Pita Paraone says he supports the thrust of the Maranga Mai report to give more say to hapu.
He’s keen to see the process get back on track.
Mr Paraone says the minister did not indicate at last night’s meeting which way he would jump.
Other MPs at the meeting included Labour's Kelvin Davis and Peeni Henare, and National's Shane Reti.
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