PM brings Crown apology to hapu

By JON STOKES maori issues reporter


Laughter, impromptu dancing and a few tears dominated proceedings at a Northland marae yesterday where Prime Minister Helen Clark apologised on behalf of the Crown for Treaty of Waitangi breaches against Northern hapu Te Uri O Hau.

At a ceremony held at Otamatea marae near Maungaturoto in Northland, Helen Clark unreservedly apologised for Crown actions, the results of which caused Te Uri o Hau to lose control "over the majority of their lands."

The apology was seen as the key element of Te Uri o Hau's claim, settled in 2002, made up of a combination of Crown-owned land, including two forests, at Mangawhai and Pouto, and cash to the value of $15.6 million.

Te Uri o Hau kaumatua Jim Connelly said while the apology had taken longer than expected, it was welcome, and helped bring to a close a drawn-out settlement process.

"The apology has taken quite a while, but is has come, and is the key to our claims. It acknowledges the wrongs committed against our tupuna, who battled for many years for recognition of the wrongs against our people."

Mr Connelly said the hapu and Otamatea marae had always been strong Labour supporters, something he believed played a part in the Prime Minister's personal delivery of the Crown apology.

The apology was the first to be delivered by Helen Clark and only the third given to Maori treaty claimant groups.

In November 1998, Jenny Shipley delivered the Crown's apology to Ngai Tahu at Onuku Marae, on Banks Peninsula.

Treaty Settlements Minister Margaret Wilson delivered the other to Hawera-based Ngati Ruanui in June last year.

After the ceremony Helen Clark denied her attendance and apology was a political move to win back support from Maori, many of whom have turned their back on Labour over its handling of foreshore and seabed legislation.

"I have been coming to this marae for many years. I know the people, they have been very strong supporters of ours for a number of years."

The hapu supplied two MPs for Northern Maori, Paraire Paikea from 1938 to 1934, and his son, Tapihana Paraire Paikea, from 1943 to 1963. But hapu members outside the meeting remained divided about who to support despite the strong Government attendance, including Treaty Settlements Minister Margaret Wilson, Waiariki MP Mita Ririnui and Te Tai Tokerau MP Dover Samuels.

One hapu member acknowledged the area was seen as a "staunch Labour stronghold" but believed there was strong support for the Maori Party.

"Hone Harawira is my relation, he has done some good things up here," he said.

Another said it was too early to be pledging support for any party.

Despite the sombre nature of the day's proceedings, many speakers prompted laughter among the crowd of around 400.

The Kaikohe-based Ratana brass band Piriwiritua also added to the festive mood with upbeat tunes, bringing smiles and some impromptu dancing from Mr Samuels and Helen Clark.


HISTORIC INJUSTICE

Te Uri o Hau is a Northland hapu grouping of Ngati Whatua numbering around 6000, located in the Northern Kaipara region.

The hapu lost much of their land south of Dargaville to the Crown between 1842 and 1870.

It is the first hapu in Northland to settle its grievances with the Crown.