A large hui of Ngāpuhi Hapū gathered in Whangarei over the weekend to develop a new approach to resolving their Treaty claims. Over 170 Hapū members at the hui discussed a number of solutions to issues which have held Ngāpuhi up for 10 years.

One of hui facilitators Piripi Moore says “Any new approach has to be designed by and for the Hapū. Some Hapū will pursue their own mandates. Others are looking to work collaboratively with other Hapū in their regions.”

The establishment of an assembly of Ngāpuhi Hapū was supported and will be discussed further when Ngāpuhi Hapū wananga again in July.

The hui also resolved to adopt a shared purpose that ‘Ngāpuhi Hapū sovereignty will never be ceded.’

“What all seem to agree to is that Hapū rangatiratanga is not negotiable, and there are some key shared interests that are best navigated collectively by all the Hapū,” said Hapū kaimahi, Nicki Wakefield.

Kaumātua and kuia will be key to the development of a new way forward for the Hapū of Ngāpuhi.

Hokianga and Ngāpuhi kaumātua Moka Puru said, “We are all looking for some clear direction that we can rally around. Just as our tūpuna did for centuries, we need to work together and find new ways to enhance the mana and well being of our whanau and Hapū.”

“This time our tikanga has to be front and centre. Hapū want to build this new waka, and that’s going to take listening very carefully to our people, and being open and honest about everything we do together. These are some of the simple things that have been missing and are needed to build Hapū trust and support moving forward.”

Ngāpuhi Hapū will have an opportunity to meet amongst themselves over the next six months and gather again in Spring and Summer to work together on a shared vision and name for the Hapū Assembly.

© Scoop Media