Media statement

20 September 2013

Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi to clarify views of iwi

Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust (‘Te Mana’) has decided to postpone a series of hui in October to seek a mandate to enter into direct negotiations with the Crown for the comprehensive settlement of all Ngāti Rangitihi historical Treaty of Waitangi claims.

Te Mana Chairman Graham Pryor says following feedback from iwi members the Trust will now hold a hui-a-iwi with all members of Ngati Rangitihi on 29 September in Matata.

“We’ve decided it is best to clarify the views of our iwi before entering into the mandating process. Since announcing that Te Mana is seeking a mandate to speak on their behalf, we’ve had a lot of feedback, which is great and shows that this is an important matter for our iwi.

“Te Mana is committed to moving forward in what is an important phase for our people and we are encouraging our iwi to come along to the hui-a-iwi to voice their views,” says Mr Pryor.

Te Mana’s mandating strategy has been approved by the Office of Treaty Settlements (OTS) and it is now able to proceed to seek a mandate to act on behalf of the iwi. However, it will delay six hui that were meant to be held in October. A new timeframe for the mandating hui will be announced following the hui-a-iwi later this month.

“As we’ve previously said we need is a clear mandate from the people to speak on behalf of all of Ngāti Rangitihi and that’s what we are wanting to discuss.

“Te Mana will outline the mandating process and answer questions, this is an opportunity to listen and we’re focused on doing that. We will also discuss a review of Te Mana’s Trust Deed.

Application forms to register with Te Mana will be available at the hui and on the website www.ngātirangitihi.iwi.nz

ENDS

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