The Government says people protesting about the Ngapuhi settlement need to relax.
Hapu demonstrators at the Tuhuronuku rally in Whangarei last month. Photo: RNZ / Lois Williams
The Ngapuhi group chosen by the Government to settle the iwi's Treaty claims was forced to cancel a hui in Paihia on Wednesday because of protest action.
Tuhoronuku, a committee of the Ngapuhi runanga, has begun a roadshow around the north to explain how the settlement will work.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson says it's normal that not everyone will be happy, but those Ngapuhi members objecting need to see the bigger picture.
He believes the tension will die down in due course and he's comfortable about people venting their anger.
Mr Finlayson says he hopes those objectors will see the potential that Labour MP Shane Jones and himself have been talking about for the Ngapuhi settlement.
He says he, Mr Jones and Tuhoronuku supporter Titewhai Harawira are "in the same waka" - and that's at least a good start.
