18 Mar 2014

Hapu wins funding for hearing

8:10 am on 18 March 2014

The Hokianga Hapu and Whanau Collective has scored a victory from a fractured claims funder.

Despite ongoing division within the Crown Forestry Rental Trust, it has agreed to provide about $175,000 for a leg of the Northland hearing, Te Paparahi o Te Raki. The money will pay for technical witnesses and hearing venues.

Hokianga Hapu and Whanau chair Rudy Taylor says the decision is a green light to move on their claims.

Infighting at the Crown Forestry Rental Trust delayed its process but everything is now back on track, he says.

A powhiri will be held on 6 April before a week-long hearing.