A Statement by Raniera (Sonny) Tau, Interim Chair, Te Rōpū o Tūhoronuku

The Northern Advocate front page lead article "Morgan eyes huge revamp" (13 August 2012) is based on a first draft proposal by Crown facilitator Mr Tukoroirangi Morgan, a draft which has been largely rejected by Ngāpuhi.

If the Northern Advocate had contacted us, we would clearly have told them that Tūhoronuku has met with Mr Morgan to put him in no doubt that much of what he is proposing is unacceptable to Ngāpuhi.

The Crown instructed Mr Morgan to have a report completed by 20 July 2012. We have yet to see that report, despite repeated requests.

Of key importance is that Ngāpuhi voted overwhelmingly last year (76% of those who voted) to give Tūhoronuku their mandate to negotiate the settlement of Ngāpuhi Te Tiriti o Waitangi grievances and historical claims against the Crown.

What Mr Morgan is proposing deviates from what Ngāpuhi have voted on, voted for and support.

For instance, regarding the creation of a Post Settlement Governance Entity, Tūhoronuku has given its commitment to Ngāpuhi that they will have input into the development of this structure, and the opportunity to vote on it.

It is not for Mr Morgan or the Crown to dictate to Ngāpuhi what we will or will not do.

It is important to acknowledge the role of Te Rūnanga Ā Iwi O Ngāpuhi, which was the genesis and has invested heavily in the Ngāpuhi settlement journey.

Mr Morgan was appointed by the Crown for this facilitation role. But the reality is that Ngāpuhi have spoken following the biggest awareness and communications effort in Iwi Māori, and there is nothing to sort out. There are small pockets of resistance, but there is often opposition to everything in life.

In the same edition of the Northland Advocate was another headline “North’s jobless rate NZ's highest". This sad fact speaks for itself.

The Crown must now show leadership in moving forward and recognising Tūhoronuku’s mandate, and complete the Ngāpuhi settlement - for the advancement and prosperity of Ngāpuhi, Northland and Aotearoa.

Tūhoronuku will be contacting the Prime Minister and Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations to discuss Mr Morgan's on-going work and the reluctance of the Crown to follow its own settlement process.

ENDS

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