Winston Peters Invited to Help Ngapuhi Hapu Unite

Te Kotahitanga o Nga Hapu Ngapuhi congratulates our whanaunga the Rt Hon Winston Peters on his historic victory in the by-election to become the Member of Parliament for Northland.

Co-Chairman Rudy Taylor has extended an invitation to Mr Peters to consider a role that will assist Ngapuhi hapu find the pathway towards a Treaty of Waitangi settlement which is fair, correct and enduring.

“Winston has considerable skill, expertise and wisdom which will be of immense benefit to Ngapuhi hapu and his victory in the north is a clear indication he can bring people together.

“As we approach Te Paparahi o Te Raki Inquiry District - Hokianga Hearings Week 13 at Tuhirangi Marae in Waima , we note Mr Peters has previously acknowledged the need for caution over Ngapuhi’s Treaty of Waitangi claim saying a settlement must be fair to all rightful claimants and after all these years, getting a settlement right is more important than speed.

“The report from the Waitangi Tribunal urgency hearing into the Ngapuhi mandate is expected to be released this month and Te Kotahitanga believes the outcome will determine how Ngapuhi should proceed in its settlement claim.

“It is hoped Mr Peters together with key Te Tai Tokerau leaders including MP Kelvin Davis will assist in finding a unified path forward.

“The blight of the north, the serious social issues highlighted in the by-election, will require not just a cashed up treaty settlement lump sum but strategic government intervention. The crown must take responsibility for its role in dumping Northland on the regional scrapheap.

“The entire country’s attention has been focused on Northland recently and now our MP elect has the mandate to ensure the government overturns decades of neglect and abandonment. All the regions will be watching so the government can no longer arrogantly dismiss Northlands needs.

“Mr Peters emphatically won the seat of Northland but it will be all those who call this whenua home who will be winners under Winston’s watch.

“Welcome home Winston, perhaps you are our Lawrence of Arabia.”

ENDS

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