March 31, 2019
Marae blockaded to stop hui
A marae blockade could not stop the Whakatōhea Pre-settlement Claims Trust reporting back to its members over the weekend.
The trust was supposed to have its annual meeting at Opape Marae east of Ōpōtiki, but negotiator Maui Hudson says a small group from Ngāi Tamahaua hapū blocked access, so the meeting moved to nearby Waiau Marae.
Trustees and negotiators were able to update members on their activities over the past year, which included reaching agreement in principle on a $100 million settlement and then facing a mandate challenge through the Waitangi Tribunal.
A poll of iwi members under the tribunal’s guidance found a majority in favour of continuing settlement talks, but there was also a majority who wanted the chance for their stories to be told through an historical inquiry by the tribunal.
Mr Hudson says the trust is waiting to hear back from Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little on a proposal to continue with the talks while also holding an inquiry in parallel or even after the settlement is concluded.
Copyright © 2019, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com