MEDIA STATEMENT

7 March 2014

Te Mana O Ngāti Rangitihi to Begin Mandating Process

Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi (Te Mana) will hold six hui in April to seek a mandate to enter into direct negotiations with the Crown relating to the comprehensive settlement of all its historical Treaty of Waitangi grievances on behalf of the iwi.

Te Mana Chairman Graham Pryor said he’s optimistic about the mandating process.

“We delayed the process last year after iwi feedback, but we are now ready to take this matter to the people.

“The next few months will be an important phase for Ngāti Rangitihi as Te Mana seeks a mandate to represent the iwi in negotiations with the Crown.

“Getting a successful outcome from negotiations with the Crown is a key step in the ongoing development of our iwi,” said Mr Pryor.

While Te Mana’s mandating strategy was approved by the Office of Treaty Settlements in early 2013, a series of hui were postponed in October last year to allow for further consultation with the iwi.

Since then, Te Mana has undertaken a review of its Trust Deed and held several hui-a-iwi to clarify the views of its membership.

“We know that the Government is focused on settling as many claims as possible before the election or, at least, getting iwi to the table and we want to be there also.

“Even though our strategy has been approved by OTS, we need a clear sign of support from the iwi so we can act on their behalf. There will be a nationwide vote, along with a series of mandating hui held around the country, where Te Mana will put its case,” said Mr Pryor.

Hui will be held in Rotorua, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and a final hui in Matatā.

Voting is open for three weeks beginning on 29 March and is open to anyone 18 years of age or older who is either registered with Te Mana and/or descends from the tupuna Rangiaohia and Apumoana, through the tupuna Mahi and Rangitihikahira. So both registered members of Te Mana and those who have not registered with Te Mana can vote.

There are three ways beneficiaries can vote: by post (registered members will be sent voting packs); online; or at the mandate hui. Voting closes on 29 April.

Applications forms to register with Te Mana will be available at the hui. Further details are also available at www.ngatirangitihi.iwi.nz

ENDS

About Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust

Te Mana was established in 2008 as a Post Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) for the Central North Island Iwi Collective Forestry settlement. In 2011, Te Mana began engaging with the Crown, seeking a mandate to negotiate a comprehensive settlement of all Ngāti Rangitihi historical claims. Te Mana is led by Chairman Graham Pryor and Hāpai-Ō (Chief Executive) Anthony Olsen, and has 4176 total registered beneficiaries (includes those under 18 years of age).

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