Ngāti Manu - the first northern hapu to formally pull out of the Ngapuhi Claims process – is calling on all hapu members to rally together, because the future of generations is at stake.

125,000 Ngapuhi are being encouraged to register with the controversy-embroiled Ngapuhi Runanga, for an individual “yes” or “no” vote on the latest version of a proposed Treaty settlement process – known as the Evolved Mandate, or Tuhono Model.

But the Bay Of Islands hapu, Ngati Manu, says voting as an individual goes against generations of cultural customs and practices.

“It is not just the individual voting we oppose, we assert that this entire claims process has been unfair, unjust and divisive”

“We urge our people to only register with Ngati Manu, so that we can strengthen our demands for direct crown negotiations - especially over the loss of 22 thousand hectares of hapu land”

“I riro whenua atu, hoki whenua mai” - As our land was taken, so should it be returned”.

Ngati Manu says it feels the only safe place for hapu information, such as genealogies, is within its archives - so it is also calling on all its members to withdraw any registrations or information lodged with the Ngapuhi Runanga.

“Ma Ngati Manu, na Ngati Manu e ai ki a Ngati Manu” – Only Ngati Manu speaks for Ngati Manu.”

The hapu says it is ready and willing to help anyone who believes they are of Ngati manu descent to reconnect, beginning with this link to register with the hapu: https://tinyurl.com/NgatiManuRegistration

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