The new leadership of Tūhoronuku - the authority mandated to start negotiations for Ngāpuhi's treaty settlement - appears to be reaching out to hapū opposed to the process.
Photo: Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand
The new rangatira were put in place after former chairman Sonny Tau stepped down.
The authority has released a statement calling on all Ngāpuhi to come together under a principle in which the mana of each hapū is honoured and empowered.
"Traditionally as Ngāpuhi, our strength has stemmed from a confederated approach to iwi and hapū business," Tūhoronuku Acting Chair Sam Napia said.
Mr Napia said that was embodied in Ngāpuhi's famous whakatauki: Ngāpuhi Kowhao Rau.
Deputy Chair Moana Tuwhare said Tūhoronuku was now well-positioned to respond to the aspirations and future development needs of Ngāpuhi, at both iwi and hapū level.
"We have turned a new page in the way the Tūhoronuku Independent Mandated Authority intends to work with our people."
Her comments appeared to be a conciliatory approach to a number of hapū who boycotted elections for representatives to oversee negotiations,
Ms Tuwhare said Ngāpuhi had always had a strong hapū structure.
"We now have opportunities to build a base of active hapū participation and support to help build the vision around our settlement."
He said the benefits from a settlement were key to gaining the trust and support of Ngāpuhi.
Mr Napia said, with the right team approach, the iwi would be able to achieve anything it put its collective mind to.
The new Tūhoronuku leaders have called for more hapū and whānau to put their names forward in a new round of nominations for kaikorero to oversee negotiations.
The new round of nominations will close on Friday.
