January 22, 2019
Tootill steps up to finish Maniapoto negotiations
Ngāti Maniapoto has again changed its negotiators as it edges towards final settlement of its historic claims.
The initial negotiating team led by MP Nanaia Mahuta got the King Country tribe to the agreement in principle stage, when Ms Mahuta and Peter Douglas stepped down because of the change of Government.
Trust board deputy chair Keith Ikin says Sir Harawira Gardiner joined remaining negotiator Mook Hohneck on a one year contract, but the process has taken longer because the board wanted more time to consult on issues such how the post settlement governance entity will work.
Sir Harawira has been replaced by board member and lawyer Glenn Tootill from the Tuwhangai whānau, who was counsel for some of the claimants.
"Having Glenn as a negotiator and as a board member helps keep the board close to the process around the settlement, not that we didn't have that previously but as we get into the detail we really want to ensure there is a close relationship between the board and the negotiators," Mr Ikin says.
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