December 18, 2019
Orakei buoyed by tribunal Hauraki slam
Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei believes the findings of the Waitangi Tribunal in the Hauraki settlement overlapping claims inquiry will help it in its own High Court action against the neighbouring iwi.
Ōrakei backed the claim taken by Tauranga Moana iwi and Ngātiwai, which found the crown’s conduct created fresh grievances, fractured relationships and caused further delays to the settlement process.
Deputy chair Ngarimu Blair says it is a win for Tauranga Moana and Ngātiwai, but it is also a win for the many iwi who have been concerned at the Crown’s approach to the Marutūāhu Collective and Pare Hauraki settlements.
The Marutūāhu settlement redress includes central Auckland properties which Ōrakei says are within its heartland and show the crown has failed to recognise its rights as mana whenua.
Mr Blair says Auckland Council also needs to heed the tribunal’s report and change its iwi engagement processes.
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