MEDIA STATEMENT
7 March 2014
Te Mana O Ngāti Rangitihi to Begin Mandating Process
Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi (Te Mana) will hold six hui in April to seek a mandate to enter into direct negotiations with
the Crown relating to the comprehensive settlement of all its historical Treaty of Waitangi grievances on behalf of the
iwi.
Te Mana Chairman Graham Pryor said he’s optimistic about the mandating process.
“We delayed the process last year after iwi feedback, but we are now ready to take this matter to the people.
“The next few months will be an important phase for Ngāti Rangitihi as Te Mana seeks a mandate to represent the iwi in
negotiations with the Crown.
“Getting a successful outcome from negotiations with the Crown is a key step in the ongoing development of our iwi,”
said Mr Pryor.
While Te Mana’s mandating strategy was approved by the Office of Treaty Settlements in early 2013, a series of hui were
postponed in October last year to allow for further consultation with the iwi.
Since then, Te Mana has undertaken a review of its Trust Deed and held several hui-a-iwi to clarify the views of its
membership.
“We know that the Government is focused on settling as many claims as possible before the election or, at least, getting
iwi to the table and we want to be there also.
“Even though our strategy has been approved by OTS, we need a clear sign of support from the iwi so we can act on their
behalf. There will be a nationwide vote, along with a series of mandating hui held around the country, where Te Mana
will put its case,” said Mr Pryor.
Hui will be held in Rotorua, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and a final hui in Matatā.
Voting is open for three weeks beginning on 29 March and is open to anyone 18 years of age or older who is either
registered with Te Mana and/or descends from the tupuna Rangiaohia and Apumoana, through the tupuna Mahi and
Rangitihikahira. So both registered members of Te Mana and those who have not registered with Te Mana can vote.
There are three ways beneficiaries can vote: by post (registered members will be sent voting packs); online; or at the
mandate hui. Voting closes on 29 April.
Applications forms to register with Te Mana will be available at the hui. Further details are also available at
www.ngatirangitihi.iwi.nz
ENDS
About Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust
Te Mana was established in 2008 as a Post Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) for the Central North Island Iwi
Collective Forestry settlement. In 2011, Te Mana began engaging with the Crown, seeking a mandate to negotiate a
comprehensive settlement of all Ngāti Rangitihi historical claims. Te Mana is led by Chairman Graham Pryor and Hāpai-Ō
(Chief Executive) Anthony Olsen, and has 4176 total registered beneficiaries (includes those under 18 years of age). 2014 MANDATING HUI – Venues and times Saturday 5th April ROTORUA – Novotel, Lake End, Tutanekai St 1.00 – 3.00pm Sunday 6th HAMILTON – Parentline, 48 Palmerston St 1.00 – 3.00pm Monday 7th AUCKLAND – Waipuna Hotel, 58 Waipuna Rd, Mt Wellington 7.00 – 9.00pm Tuesday 8th WELLINGTON – Travelodge, 2-6 Gilmer Terrace 7.00 – 9.00pm Wednesday 9th CHRISTCHURCH – Airport Gateway Motor Lodge, 45 Roydvale Ave 7.00 – 9.00pm Sunday 13th MATATĀ– Rangitihi Marae 1.00 – 3.00pm