Breakaway hapu seeks direct talks with Crown

Two Northland hapu who refuse to be involved in a Treaty settlement involving Tuhoronuku have now cut cords with Te Kotahitanga. Photo / Supplied

Two Northland hapu who refuse to be involved in a Treaty settlement involving Tuhoronuku have now cut cords with Te Kotahitanga.

Bay of Islands hapu Te Patukeha and Ngati Kuta have left Te Kotahitanga - the group which opposed the mandate given by the Crown to Tuhoronuku to negotiate Treaty claims on behalf of Ngapuhi.

Te Patukeha kaumatua and kaikoreo (spokesman) Moka Kaingamaataa Puru said the two hapu decided to walk away as they did not believe in a three-way working party which saw Te Kotahitanga, the Crown and Tuhoronuku work together to address issues raised in the Waitangi Tribunal's report into the Ngapuhi mandate.

"We're not happy dealing with Tuhoronuku, we want direct negotiation with the Crown. We have spent eight years battling all together. It's about the mana of the hapu," he said.

Mr Puru said they did not support the structures of Tuhoronuku which he said undermined hapu rangatiratanga, something which was recognised by the Waitangi Tribunal's report.

"Te Kotahitanga are willing to work with a three-way [working party] but it's too late. The damage has been done. [Tuhoronuku] pushed us out. It's their own thing. Now that they're in trouble why should we take up their problems?" Mr Puru said.

Mr Puru said the ultimate goal was for the two hapu to settle their own claims separate from Tuhoronuku.

"Me and my wife are two people who have been through land battles. We spent eight months at Orakei at Bastion Point and people were arrested but who came out winning? Joe Hawke. We were with the hapu of Auckland at Raglan fighting for land and people were arrested there but who came out on top? Eva Rickard, she got her land back. No door was shut, you have to battle for your rights," he said.

Mr Puru said leaving Te Kotahitanga was not an easy decision.

"We were sad, after eight years of struggle we don't want to walk away but we don't want to be part of a settlement with Tuhoronuku," he said.

Te Kotahitanga could not be reached for comment.