September 06, 2018
Ngapuhi Runanga has challenge for protesters
A new group formed to challenge the Ngapuhi claim settlement process is being challenged to put up or shut up.
The Ngapuhi Runanga is expecting a protest tomorrow from Ngapuhi Taniwharau, a group led by treaty lawyer and former Tuhoronuku deputy chair Moana Tuwhare.
Runanga chair Sonny Tau, who now also holds the Tuhoronuku deputy slot, says the board wants to hear practical and solutions-based ideas that seek to enhance and celebrate Ngapuhi identity, solidarity, growth and wellbeing.
He says protesters are concerned about how and who will negotiate the Ngapuhi settlement, but the process has moved on.
"We're a hell of a long way down the track now with instructions going on with the Minister (of Treaty Negotiations). I think it's premature. I think Moana needs to use her legal training for the benefit of Ngapuhi, not to mislead," Mr Tau says.
The principals group and their technical advisors have almost completed a proposal for a revised negotiating mandate, which will be taken out for discussion and voting soon.
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