Chairperson of an entity mandated to negotiate Ngapuhi's Waitangi Tribunal claims, Sonny Tau, says he is hoping to have negotiations complete within the next three years, possibly faster.
The Government has recognised the mandate of the entity known as Tuhoronuku to negotiate the settlement, after six years of dissent amongst Ngapuhi.
About 120 Ngapuhi elders meeting on Saturday in the Far North have supported Tuhoronuku's mandate to begin negotiations.
Sonny Tau said elections will now begin for Tuhoronuku's governance board, and negotiations should start in June.
He said everyone of Ngapuhi descent has been given the opportunity to take part, and it's time for the next phase of settling the tribe's nearly 400 separate claims.
"Convincing people is not our job anymore, our job is to get on and bring to pass what the 76.4 percent of Ngapuhi mandated us to do and that's to bring to a conclusion the settlement of Ngapuhi's comprehensive historical claims."
Mr Tau said if dissenting hapu want to sue the entity because their grievances are not being heard, they will in effect be suing the Crown as the Government has recognised Tuhoronuku's mandate to represent Ngapuhi.
He said elections will now begin for Tuhoronuku's governance board, and negotiations should start in June.
Many still oppose negotiations
Bryce Smith, a spokesperson for Te Whakaminenga o nga hapu Ngapuhi, a collective of smaller hapu, said 70 percent of Ngapuhi elders did not attend the meeting on Saturday, but will be at a hui on Monday.
Mr Smith said many oppose Tuhoronuku negotiating on their behalf and a court injunction may be called for.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson accepted the Tuhoronuku mandate on Friday and said it is very clear Ngapuhi remains divided.
But he said they could pull together and make the situation work.
Mr Finlayson said if people take a pugilistic approach, things will end up in court, and he's calling for some generosity of spirit to be shown.
On Waitangi Day, Prime Minister John Key offered Ngapuhi an incentive to settle, suggesting that a pre-settlement payment could be an option. The amount was not disclosed.
Mr Key said it was time for Ngapuhi to put aside their personal differences and unite to focus on the big prize.
He said the settlement deal would provide them with the opportunity to play a key role in developing Northland.
Despite wide reporting the Government would pay money up front to get Ngapuhi to the negotiating table, Mr Finlayson said no money will change hands until there is a settlement.
