18 Oct 2011

Waikato-Tainui ready to negotiate Treaty claim

6:36 am on 18 October 2011

The head of the Waikato-Tainui executive says he guarantees his iwi will be ready to negotiate an outstanding Treaty claim with whichever party is in power after the general election on 26 November.

Negotiations are ongoing between the tribe and Minister of Treaty Negotiations Chris Finlayson over a claim regarding parts of Auckland.

Chair of the executive Tukoroirangi Morgan says the claim is to ensure his people's interest over places such as Manukau, Kawhia and Raglan are recognised.

But, he says it's unlikely it will reach an agreement in principle anytime soon because of the election.

Mr Morgan says one thing is for sure - the tribe's Treaty negotiation team will be ready to deal with whichever party comes to power.