Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Te Mana O Ngāti Rangitihi to Take Mandate to Minister
Te Mana O Ngāti Rangitihi to Take Mandate to Minister
Tera te Haeata, hikitia i te ripa te tara ki te maunga, ki Ruawahia, taku maunga tuturu e!
Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi (Te Mana) has received a 77% approval rate from its iwi to enter direct negotiations with the Crown for the comprehensive settlement of all Ngāti Rangitihi historical Treaty of Waitangi claims. Te Mana will now take this mandate to the Minister for Treaty Negotiations, Christopher Finlayson, for formal recognition.
The final result was confirmed by Electionz today, with almost 30% of eligible voters taking part in the mandating process. The number of voter returns reflects the same turnout as Te Mana’s Trustee elections in 2012.
Te Mana Chairman, Graham Pryor, said the result is pleasing and shows that the iwi is ready to move forward.
“We asked for a clear mandate from the iwi and we believe this result gives us the mandate to represent them.
“There is still a lot of hard work ahead of us but we are ready to go and confident we will represent the interests of Ngāti Rangitihi well.
“I hope we can continue to come together as an iwi and ensure the Crown hears our united voice,” said Mr Pryor.
Te Mana will now write a Deed of Mandate, which will incorporate feedback received from the iwi.
Once drafted, the Deed will be reported back to the iwi for their input.
Te Mana Hāpai-Ō (Chief Executive), Anthony Olsen, said the result reflected a strong interest from iwi during the two-month voting period, which was extended to allow sufficient time for iwi to register and vote.
“We held hui across the country, which were well attended and we received a lot of feedback from our iwi members,” said Mr Olsen.
Te Mana held six hui kanohi-ki-te-kanohi in Rotorua, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Matatā.
Voting was open to all members of Ngāti Rangitihi over the age of 18 years, whether they were registered with Te Mana or not.
“We want to acknowledge everyone who voted, especially those people who are not members of Te Mana but took the time to be involved in this decision.
“We have made a commitment to the iwi to be open and transparent and ensure they are engaged in the process,’ said Mr Olsen.
ends
Gordon Campbell: On unemployment, Winston Peters’ low boiling point and music criticism
Labour Party: National Gaslights Women Fighting For Equal Pay
The Treasury: New Treasury Paper On The Productivity Slowdown
NZ Government: Government Recommits To Equal Pay
Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter: Deputy Mayor ‘disgusted’ By Response To Georgina Beyer Sculpture
Te Pāti Māori: Māori Unemployment Rate Increases By More Than Four-Times National Rates
Government: Streamlining Building Consent Changes
