Media Release
3 August 2009

Ngapuhi comes closer to Settlement

Kaumatua and Kuia of Ngapuhi-nui-tonu have directed Te Runanga-a-iwi o Ngapuhi to continue facilitating discussion amoung the Ngapuhi nation and ask who they want to hold the mandate when representing Ngapuhi in settling Crown breaches against Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Te Runanga-a-iwi o Ngapuhi chairperson Raniera (Sonny) Tau says ``we are elated with the unanimous support gained at a hui on Saturday from what was one of the largest gatherings of Ngapuhi-nui-tonu Kuia and Kaumatua at one time in over ten years to move forward with discussions on this important kaupapa.’’

Tamati Kruger of Te Kotahi a Tuhoe shared the experiences of Tuhoe in its journey to reach settlement with over 70 Kaumatua and Kuia who attended the hui in Kaikohe.

Mr Kruger explained the journey to reaching settlement was long and tumultuous however necessary and that the descendants of Tuhoe could now realistically look forward to a brighter more independent future as a result of pushing forward with the settlement of Tuhoe claims.

Raniera (Sonny) Tau says the information Tamati shared with the Kuia and Kaumatua of Ngapuhi was essential in helping them understand the ups and downs of settling Crown breaches against Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Mr Tau says ``keeping people informed, listening to what the people have to say and valuing the talent and knowledge within the iwi was a key part of the Tuhoe process, and this is the process we have followed and will continue to do so.’’

Ngapuhi Hapu will meet over the next few months to discuss leadership amoung themselves and in September another round of Road Shows will be held to ask the Ngapuhi Nation who they want to lead them in settling Crown breaches against Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Hapu are encouraged to get in touch with the Runanga to further discuss how trhese hui can be held and the outcomes desired by the Ngapuhi Nation.

ENDS

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