May 02, 2021
Rereahu gets vote on Maniapoto split
Maniapoto Māori Trust Board is facing an attempt by Ngāti Rereahu elements to pull away from the tribe’s historic settlement and set up its own post-settlement governance entity.
Te Whakaminenga o Rereahu forced a special general meeting in Te Kuiti on Saturday to discuss whether the board’s mandate to negotiate Te Rohe Pōtae claims should be amended.
Board chair Keith Ikin says there was strong attendance in person and on line, and members have until Friday to vote on the motion.
He says as all in Ngāti Maniapoto also whakapapa to his father Rereahu, the current proposal represents a significant reengineering of tribal connections in Te Rohe Pōtae.
"The board's position has always been that since the time of Rereahu 600 years ago we have always worked in kotahitanga and unity, we have always worked together and we are holding fast to that legacy. We think the only way forward for us is to continue to work in a united way," he says.
Mr Ikin says Ngāti Rereahu has had five chairs in five years, and he questions whether the substance of discussions held over those five years to resolve the issues have been properly conveyed to members.
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