A pillar within Ngāti Hine has come out opposing to the appointment of a Ngāti Hine relative and other representatives to the Tūhoronuku Independent Mandated Authority (TIMA). This follows on from the announcement of the representatives to TIMA which is on track to settle Ngāpuhi treaty grievances with the Crown.
The Chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine, Te Waihoroi Shortland, is unwavering in his belief that Ngāti Hine should represent Ngāti Hine, not Tūhoronuku.
Te Waihoroi Shortland says more than 1000 Ngāti Hine signatures have been collected in opposition to the appointment of Pēwhairangi Hapū representatives to Tūhoronuku, the Crown recognised Mandated Settlement Authority that will negotiate settlement of Ngāti Hine and other Ngāpuhi hapū treaty claims.
“I'm aware of those who oppose my appointment (to Tūhoronuku). I called a meeting last Thursday and not a single one of them has called on me to sit and discuss things with me,” says Mere Mangu.
15 of the 22 members of Tūhoronuku are hapū representative from within Ngāpuhi. Mere Mangu of Tekau i Mua hapū of Ngāti Hine says that Tūhoronuku is at the table with the Crown, and sees the mandate as a way for Ngāpuhi as a whole to move forward in negotiating a treaty settlement deal for Ngāpuhi.
Ngāti Hine will stand before the Waitangi Tribunal next week to finally air their treaty grievances under the Te Paparahi o Te Raki Inquiry, while Tūhoronuku will look to appoint negotiators who will enter into negotiations with the Crown in mid-August.