30 Sep 2011

Northland hapu questions Treaty negotiation mandate

6:04 am on 30 September 2011

Some Northland hapu say the Government would be unwise to rely on the results of a vote which gives the runanga-led board Tuhoronuku 76% support to enter into Treaty negotiations with the Crown.

Ngapuhi leader Sonny Tau says the democratic vote shows the vast majority of Ngapuhi want the iwi's claims settled as soon as possible.

Tuhoronuku has faced strong opposition from a number of hapu who want their land claims heard by the Waitangi Tribunal before any negotiations take place.

A dissenting hapu leader, Pita Tipene, says the 76% support compares poorly with other iwi, whose mandate was at worst more than 90%.

Hapu and Tuhoronuku leaders will meet in Wellington on Friday with Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson.