Media Release

2 March 2007

Mataatua Iwi Support Legal Action Against the Crown

The Mataatua Assembly today confirmed its support for the recent legal action by Federation of Maori Authorities (FOMA) and the Maori Council against the Crown for its actions in relation to the Treaty Settlement with Nga Kaihautu o Te Arawa.

The Crown is seeking to transfer Crown Forest lands to itself and access $63m in Crown Forest Rental Trust (CFRT) funds. It is then proposing to offer under its deferred settlement process the opportunity for Nga Kaihautu Te Arawa to purchase the lands. It is the view of FOMA and the Maori Council, supported by the Mataatua Assembly, that the actions proposed by the Crown are in breach of the agreements with FOMA and Maori Council in the establishment of the CRFT and the terms of the Crown Forest Rental Trust deed.

"This deal sets an uncomfortable precedent," said Dr Hirini Mead, Chair of the Mataatua Assembly. "The Assembly views the proposal by the Crown as a breach of not only the legislation and trust deed and the intent of the original agreements that established the Crown Forest Rental Trust, but also a failure by the Crown to act in good faith."

ENDS

About the Mataatua Assembly

The Mataatua Assembly is a forum for all iwi of Mataatua. Mataatua is a confederation of iwi based in and around the Bay of Plenty. The purpose of the forum is to provide an opportunity for iwi of Mataatua to meet and discuss matters of interest, share information and comment on issues of concern to the confederation.

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