Stern letter fired off over group finances

Pita Tipene

A stern letter from the Minister of Treaty Negotiations to Tuhoronuku addressing concerns about the group's finances and hapu relations has been welcomed by opponents who say it has confirmed their concerns about the Ngapuhi treaty mandating body.

The letter was sent to Tuhoronuku chairman Hone Sadler after a meeting between Mr Sadler, deputy chairman Kara George and the Minister of Treaty Negotiations Chris Finlayson.

It highlighted Mr Finlayson's concerns about Tuhoronuku's relationship with hapu, lack of independence from the Ngapuhi Runanga and financial matters including a $500,000 loan it took out from the Ngapuhi Runanga - things Pita Tipene, co-leader of Te Kotahitanga which oppose Tuhoronuku, said the group have been alarmed about for a long time.

"This letter confirms the concerns we had about lack of independence from the Ngapuhi Runanga. So the loan merely exemplifies how Te Runanga a iwi o Ngapuhi and Tuhoronuku are joined at the hip."

Mr Finlayson made strong comments in the letter about Tuhoronuku's financial situation which caused Mr Tipene to question the capability of the group's handling of the Ngapuhi settlement.

"This letter has revealed the minister does not have comfort and confidence that Tuhoronuku can monitor its finances - he's been very clear. How are they going to look after the Ngapuhi Treaty Settlement if they can't look after their finances?" he said.

The letter also emphasised the group needed to engage with groups in opposition and bring them on board. A Waitangi Tribunal inquiry into the mandate given by the Crown to Tuhoronuku to negotiate on behalf of Ngapuhi, was released last month. The report criticised the Crown for undermining the rangatiratanga of hapu and recommended negotiations be halted so these issues could be addressed. Mr Tipene said it was important the recommendation be heeded.

"It's time for a genuine talk with Tuhoronuku. What we have seen is Tuhoronuku have a track record for tinkering around the edges. I think we would need a written agreement."

Mr Sadler said a sub-group, led by Moana Tuwhare, to begin dialogue with the groups in opposition and to provide recommendations to Tuhoronuku had been set up. All trustees were committed to achieving Ngapuhi unity and since the meeting he was satisfied issues raised by Mr Finlayson had been or were being addressed.