2 March 2007

Hauraki Welcomes Settlement Negotiations

Hauraki Maori Trust Board Chairman, Toko Renata, has welcomed the Government’s halt to the sale of the Land Corp station at Whenuakite and said now is a time for calm heads and good faith.

Mr Renata said following the discussions with Cabinet Ministers’ in Wellington on Wednesday night he had returned to Whenuakite to brief Ngati Hei and Hauraki Iwi.

“Now there is an opportunity for the Hauraki negotiators to take these matters forward with Government.

“We were reassured by the Ministers commitment to take this issue to Cabinet next week and the review of all Landcorp properties is a positive move,” he said.

“We need to be discussing these settlement issues together to find positive solutions. We would like to meet with the Ministers next week, Mr Renata said.”

Hauraki Spokesperson, John McEnteer, who has been at Whenuakite this week said progress, needs to be made.

“We need to have these lands returned to help provide an economic base if there is any hope of shifting our people from the poverty trap after settlement. We are trying to improve our peoples wellbeing and overall there will be benefits to the nation as a whole if this is done,” Mr McEnteer said.

Ngati Hei Spokesperson, Peter Johnston said he had been receiving widespread community support for the stand that is being taken.

“The local community is showing they are right behind us if the faxes and emails that we have received are anything to go by,” Mr Johnston said.

“They have been coming to Whenuakite to gift food and other provisions. Local body politicians are also supportive and we are deeply moved by the generosity of spirit from the community,” he said.

Meanwhile, there will be a small family orientated day at Whenuakite tomorrow for Hauraki whanui currently onsite at the farm. It will involve discussion, story telling, poet readers and a musical jam.

ENDS

© Scoop Media