8 Oct 2012

Whakatohea awaits full hapu mandate to re-enter Treaty talks

9:08 am on 8 October 2012

An eastern Bay of Plenty iwi plans to restart Treaty talks with the Government once it receives a mandate from all its hapu.

Negotiators for Whakatohea in 1995 rejected a $40 million Crown settlement for the unjustified confiscation of land in 1867, because they believed the offer wasn't good enough.

Whakatohea working party chairman Barry Kiwara says the iwi is now seeking financial redress of $65 million to $80 million.

Mr Kiwara says this has gained support from the majority of hapu and tribal groups, but in order to progress Treaty negotiations, all 13 hapu need to give their blessing to continue with talks.

He says that will mean that no one group is making decisions on behalf of another hapu, and everyone is at the table together.

Mr Kiwara says it will also help limit the number of issues which may arise once the negotiators start talks with the Government, and stop incorrect information being circulated.

He hopes the mandating process will be completed by next month