September 14, 2014
Tribunal unhappy with Tuhoronuku thrust
Hapu opposed to Ngapuhi’s treaty settlement negotiating body are looking forward to the chance to put their objections before the Waitangi Tribunal.
The tribunal has agreed to hold an urgent hearing into the claim that the way the Crown had backed the creation of Tuhoronuku had undermined Ngapuhi leadership, breached the crown’s settlement policies and would cause significant and irreversible prejudice.
It says as in similar claims over the Te Arawa and Tamaki Makaurau settlements, the crown had picked a winner and failed to act in a fair and even-handed manner.
Hokianga claimant and Te Kotahitanga co-chair Rudy Taylor says it was clear from early in the process that the fix was in.
" You know the minister already had more or less his favourite grouping to say that they would take the mandate which is in line with crown direction" he says.
Rudy Taylor says it’s important the voice of hapu be listened to.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson says while the hearing may cause some delay, it’s in the public interest to get a settlement with Ngapuhi.
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