Ngapuhi political commentator blasts Tuku Morgan appointment

Ngapuhi political commentator and Hone Heke Foundation chairman, David Rankin, has gone on the attack, blasting Tukuroirangi Morgan for interfering in Ngapuhi issues. Mr. Morgan was recently appointed by the Crown to try and achieve unity among various factions of Ngapuhi.

“This is the worst of bad faith on the Government’s behalf,” says Rankin. “It causes huge cultural offence to all of Ngapuhi to have someone from another iwi, especially someone who is a Pacific Islander, telling us what to do.”

Mr. Rankin says a defective Treaty settlement programme is the cause of disunity in his tribe. “We have the Crown trying to bundle dozens of claims into one package and make just one settlement. This is offensive to many in our tribe, which is why there is disunity. The Crown needs to take the time to negotiate on each claim and treat each claimant with respect.”

Mr Rankin’s final message to Tuku Morgan is clear: “Butt out of our business and try to restore your own reputation. You don’t have any role in our affairs so do not enter Northland unless it’s for a holiday – when you are tired of swimming in the Waikato River, you can enjoy our beaches, but stay away from our Treaty settlements.”

ENDS

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