Media Release
For Immediate Release
2 June 2014

Labour candidate for Tamaki Makaurau electorate could threaten Treaty settlement

The selection of Peeni Henare as Labour’s candidate for the Tamaki Makaurau seat could threaten the settlement of the country’s largest Treaty settlement, between the Crown and Ngapuhi.

This is according to Ngapuhi kaumatua David Rankin, who says that Henare represents Ngati Hine, which has been a firm opponent of Ngapuhi’s proposed settlement with the Crown.

“What I find strange,” says Mr Rankin, “is that Labour has put Henare forward as a candidate without realising that he and his whanau have campaigned actively against Ngapuhi’s efforts to resolve this major claim.”

“And what is really concerning is that our people continue to suffer as long as the claim remains unresolved” says Mr Rankin. “But for Henare, his commitment to his iwi, Ngati Hine, is a direct obstacle to any agreement being reached. Ngati Hine has accused Ngapuhi of lacking any mandate, and this is holding back any settlement.”

Mr Rankin expects Mr Henare to make a statement on the Ngapuhi settlement within the next two weeks. “Otherwise”, as he says, “the distrust for Labour’s candidate will spread.”

ENDS

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