WAI 2521 Urgency - Media Statement 24 March 2017

Nga Hapu o te Moutere o Motiti have been granted an urgent hearing by the Waitangi Tribunal.

In a Decision dated 14 March Judge Pat Savage directed [1]:

The issue for urgent inquiry is whether or not the Crown, by its acts or
omissions, policy or practice, in relation to settlement of Treaty of Waitangi
claims relating to Motiti Island, has breached or is likely to breach the
principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. At issue is the question of whether the
Crown has done so by failing to adequately or properly inform itself of the
interests of Maori in relation to the island, and thereby prejudicing the Maori and hapu of that island.

Motiti Island kaumatua Umuhuri Matehaere has welcomed the Tribunal's decision to hold an Inquiry.

"For too long Crown agencies, regional council and the courts have not been well-informed when making decisions affecting Motiti Island and Rohemoana. We are pleased there will now be a proper inquiry."

The Waitangi Tribunal can hear long-standing grievances and the many contemporary issues affecting tangata whenua of the Island and make findings and recommendations to government authorities.

Mr Matehaere said the urgent hearing of Motiti Treaty claims follows the successful WAI 2391 Rena hearing in 2014.

ends

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