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The Waitangi Tribunal has turned down applications for an urgent hearing into settlement negotiations over a claim to Aotea-Great Barrier.
The claimants object to the acknowledgement of Aotea interests in the Ngāti Manuhiri Deed of Settlement, the Ngāti Rehua-Ngāti Wai ki Aotea Agreement in Principle and the Ngāti Marutuahu Record of Agreement.
They also oppose Ngāti Rehua as having the mandate to represent all tangata whenua on the island.
Judge Patrick Savage says the first application was filed three and a half years ago, and despite a complicated procedural history, there have been no developments over the past six months and no indication an step by the crown is imminent.
In those circumstances the applications cannot meet the criteria for urgency and are dismissed.
The claimants could now seek alternative resolution methods such as informal hui or formal mediation.
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