Media statement 5 February 2008

Takutaimoana heads of agreement an important step

For immediate use

The Chairman of Te Runanga o Ngati Porou, Dr Apirana Mahuika says the signing of a heads of agreement with the Crown in regard to foreshore and seabed matters is a key step forward in the journey.

Dr Mahuika today signed the heads of agreement at Parliament alongside the Attorney General, the Hon Dr Michael Cullen.

Ngati Porou has maintained ownership of the land right down to the sea along much of the coast in its tribal territory and individual hapu have always exercised their mana along these stretches of coastline.

“There is still work to do, but we believe that we have made good progress.

“The framework provided by the draft deed will ultimately provide protection and recognition of the rights our hapu have,” he said.

Dr Mahuika said the aim of Ngati Porou is to have the mana long exercised over these sections of coast by its hapu legally protected and recognised.

The Runanga has been the facilitator in this process. The hapu themselves will exercise any rights which are reconfirmed in any final agreement.

Dr Mahuika said that in entering into this agreement Ngati Porou are not backing down from their opposition to the Foreshore and Seabed Act.

“We have agreed to disagree with the Crown in the interests of moving on and obtaining the legal protection and recognition required by our hapu of their longstanding rights,” he said.

ENDS

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