Ngati Whatua Orakei to seek clarity on overlapping claims   27 Aug 2015

MEDIA STATEMENT

On behalf of Ngati Whatua Orakei Trust

27 August 2015

Ngati Whatua Orakei to seek clarity on overlapping claims process

Ngati Whatua Orakei has today filed papers in the Auckland High Court to seek clarification of the Crown’s process in negotiating Treaty of Waitangi settlements in Auckland.

Ngati Whatua Orakei Deputy Chair, Ngarimu Blair, says the hapu aims to get clarity on the Crown’s policy regarding ‘overlapping claims’.

“This is about protecting our settlements, not stopping anyone else’s.

“Ngati Whatua Orakei has been very accommodating, constructive and flexible in its approach to achieve a settlement for wider Auckland.

“We want all iwi in Tamaki to settle with the Crown. However, the Crown has a responsibility to settle grievances honourably, without undermining existing settlements.

“Ngati Whatua Orakei has maintained ahi ka roa here for centuries. We cannot support the Crown in its proposed transfer of land within our rohe to other iwi,” says Mr Blair.

Ngati Whatua Orakei has applied for a declaratory judgement relating to the Crown’s negotiation process with Ngati Paoa and its proposed transfer of land within central Auckland.

“At the heart of this issue is the Crown’s approach to settling overlapping claims.

“Central Auckland has already been settled with Ngati Whatua Orakei and other iwi through a shared ‘Right of First Refusal’ agreement.

“As we’ve seen over the past week, some iwi have bought into the Crown’s process which sets Maori against Maori by making new claims over Auckland,” says Mr Blair.

“Ngati Whatua Orakei wants the correct process to be recognised, to prevent ongoing and numerous claims.

“We have attempted to work through this matter face to face, but as a Trust, we have a duty to protect the interests of our members, and our mana. Our disagreement is with the Crown, not other iwi.”

Ngati Whatua Orakei says litigation was its last option but it believes this action will ultimately benefit all iwi who have settled, or will settle, with the Crown.

ENDS

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