FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A meeting of the Wai 2358 Claimant Management Committee was convened by the New Zealand Maori Council today.

The Committee intends to engage with other Maori stakeholders including the Maori Party and Iwi Leaders Group. The Committee will be attending hui next week.

The Committee is also engaging with stakeholders about jointly convening a national hui later this month.

Until such times as these consultation hui are held, the Claimant Management Committee and the New Zealand Maori Council continue to maintain their position as put to the Waitangi Tribunal and as reported positively by the Waitangi Tribunal.

One of the matters being discussed with other stakeholders is enhancing the framework model put forward by the Waitangi Tribunal and other options which should be the basis for discussions with the Government for a national solution. The Committee is concerned that Government has shown no intention to meet with New Zealand Maori Council or the claimants and the Council will need to review its options in that regard.

The Committee sees no basis on which the Government can finalise any arrangements on a hapu by hapu basis until hapu understand what the legal position is in relation to their proprietary rights. It is unfortunate that Government would seek to apply undue pressure on these hapu or iwi in the manner announced by the Prime Minister.

ENDS

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