10 Jun 2015

Te Mana negotiations with Crown to start

6:01 am on 10 June 2015

Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust has announced the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and Minister for Maori Development have recognised its mandate.

The iwi will now begin the process of direct negotiations with the Crown relating to the comprehensive settlement of all its historical Treaty of Waitangi grievances.

Chair Leith Comer said it was a significant milestone for the iwi.

He said Te Mana had worked hard to achieve a clear mandate from Ngāti Rangitihi, and the next few months would be an important phase as it prepared for negotiations with the Crown.

Mr Comer said that achieving a successful settlement with the Crown was crucial for the development of the iwi.

He said it was important that the tribe united and moved forward together.

Hāpai-Ō Anthony Olsen will resign from his current role and move into a position solely focused on advancing Te Mana's comprehensive claim.

The day-to-day running of Te Mana will be undertaken by internal staff members and overseen by the Board.

Te Mana will outline its intentions and next steps at a hui-ā-iwi to be called within a month.

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