Ngāti Paoa Hopes Korero Not Court Will Resolve Settlement Issues

Ngāti Paoa hopes un-resolved issues with its claims settlement with the Crown can be resolved outside of the court room.

Yesterday the Court of Appeal rejected an appeal by Ngāti Whatua Orakei over its claim that the Crown should not include two properties in Central Auckland as redress to Ngāti Paoa.

Ngāti Paoa Trust Chair Gary Thompson described the result as bitter sweet. “On the one hand, this is about us trying to achieve a settlement for our people; on the other, we would prefer a tikanga approach to resolve such matters”.

Mr Thompson said Ngati Paoa and Ngāti Whatua Orakei fundamentally agree it is about recognising levels of interests.

Ngati Paoa acknowledges Ngāti Whatua Orakei’s lead area of interest in the CBD, whilst Ngāti Whatua Orakei acknowledges Ngāti Paoa’s lead interest in East Auckland.

“The weighing of interests has become the central issue in respect of the overlapping claims disputes in Auckland,” Mr Thompson said.

“We know the Crown is working hard to bring our claim to a conclusion. We know Ngāti Whatua are trying to have their position in Auckland recognised.

This is a complex issue and will require innovative approaches. We hope that we can work with the Crown and Ngāti Whatua Orakei to ensure that everyone achieves their goals in a mutually beneficial way."

ENDS

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