Ngāti Paoa Trust Board

24 February 2019

The Ngāti Paoa Trust Board has moved swiftly to remove Morehu Wilson as their Negotiator.

On the back of last weeks controversial and unilateral decision by Mr Wilson to sign off on the Hauraki Deed without approval from the Ngāti Paoa Trust Board (mandated entity), the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust (PSGE) or the claimant community.

“The removal was inevitable after the Crown allowed a signing to proceed despite clearly telling them we did not support the signing as the mandated entity.” Said Harry Williams, Chair and mandated Negotiator of the Ngāti Paoa Trust Board

“We are the mandated entity. We have consulted the Iwi about this decision. It is clear the Iwi is not happy with the signing. Only 152 people ratified it 2 years ago from an Iwi of 3,500. Last year at a Hui-ā-Iwi of more than 150 people said wait until the report is finished and bring it back to the people. This was not done. Instead they just signed completely ignoring the undertaking to the Iwi. So as the mandated entity we had no choice.” Said Mr Williams.

Both Boards opposed the signing last week. The Trust Board and the Iwi Trust both sent letters to Mr Wilson and the Crown strongly objecting to the signing.

Last week the Iwi Trust took the matter to court and managed to get the Judge to rule that the signing ‘’cannot be relied upon’’ in any way shape or form until the concerns raised by the Board and the Iwi (claimant community) have been addressed.

“It’s not about individual personalities or people, it’s about making the tough decision to safeguard and protect our Settlement. I blame the Crown for what has happened here. I genuinely feel Morehu signed under duress as a result of the immense pressure from other iwi negotiators and the Crown’s policies, processes and practices and to a degree officials. Hopefully this will be addressed in the Hauraki Tribunal Inquiry starting next month.” Said Mr Thompson, Chair of the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust (PSGE)

“We have a pepeha that says ‘Paoa Taringa Rahirahi, Kaua e matatoru!’ In this context it means ‘listen to the people, don’t be stubborn!’ On that note, we are listening to what the people said at the meeting on the 25 October last year.” Said Mr Thompson.

Iwi members are glad to see both Boards the Trust Board and the Iwi Trust are working together to provide leadership and unity within Ngāti Paoa to protect Ngāti Paoa interests in the Hauraki and Marutūāhu settlements.

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