March 02, 2015
Submissions show discontent at claim process
The Maori affairs select committee is in Kaitaia to hear submissions on the bill settling Te Hiku o te Ika claims
The bill covers claims by Ngai Takoto, Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri and Te Rarawa, leaving room for Ngati Kahu to settle later.
The Waitangi Tribunal’s Muriwhenua Land Report was released almost 20 years ago finding significant crown breaches of the treaty that left the tribes almost landless.
But the settlement process was delayed by the crown’s decision to negotiate with individual iwi rather than with the Muriwhenua collective that brought the claims.
Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis, who was seconded onto the committee for consideration of the bill, says the majority of submissions are in favour.
" People are in favour of the Bill moving forward but they aren't happy with the process, they're not happy with the length of time it's taken, they're not happy that they're only getting a fraction of what the settlement should be. But they're prepared to accept it in a sake of progress and moving forward for our people up here " he says.
Kelvin Davis says the whakapapa ties between Muriwhenua iwi are close, and it’s disappointing to see the way the crown process is continuing to strain those relationships.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH KELVIN DAVIS CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjY3NDI=
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