Open Letter to Te Runanga a iwi o Ngapuhi

Tena Koutou,

This is an open letter to the Te Runanga a iwi o Ngapuhi and addresses a critical issue for our people.

I recently discovered that certain members of the Runanga were asserting that they have the sole right to speak on behalf of our iwi. This is a matter of extreme concern. Ngapuhi has its own rangatira, ariki, and tohunga lines, which have been present for centuries. Moreover, such lines are the traditional mouthpieces for the people.

My question for the Runanga is a straightforward one: ‘Where do they get their mandate from? I would expect an equally straightforward reply.

Kanui tena

David Rankin

cc Helen Clark cc Parekura Horomia cc Dover Samuels cc Donald Brash cc Jerry Brownlee cc John Key cc John Carter cc Tariana Turia cc Pita Sharples cc Hone Harawira

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