September 12, 2022

Ūpokorehe fails to convince neighbours of split need

Adam Gifford Posted On September 12, 2022

A group pushing for Te Ūpokorehe claims to be excluded from the Whakatōhea Settlement are claiming victory despite losing a vote to amend the Whakatōhea Pre-settlement Claims Trust mandate.

The vote was lost by 61.75 percent to 38 percent, with majorities in all other hapū against the split.

The percentage was reversed in Te Ūpokorehe, with 492 voting for the motion and 288 voting against.

Te Ūpokorehe Treaty Claims Trust claims the iwi’s whakapapa and claims are distinct from Te Whakatōhea, and their voice has not been heard in the settlement.

Whakatōhea says Te Ūpokerehe Trust is claiming everything west of the Waioweka River to almost Whakatāne, splitting the claim area in half.