Treaty strategy backed

Pita Sharples has endorsed the strategy. Photo / Richard Robinson

A mandate strategy for a comprehensive Ngapuhi Treaty settlement by a body set up by Ngapuhi hapu leadership has been given the green light by the Government.

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples and Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Christopher Finlayson have both endorsed Te Roopu o Tuhoronuku's strategy of seeking mandate to negotiate with the Crown over its historical grievances, project leader Lorraine Toki said.

The body will hold hui throughout the country and Australia between March and April, during which Ngapuhi will be asked to give its vote for Te Roopu o Tuhoronuku to represent it in the negotiations. If everything goes according to the timeline, negotiations with the Crown could begin in June.