Moving forward

As the document just released announces, Te Ropu Tuhoho brings together the Crown, the Tuhoronuku Independent Central Negotiation Body (TIMA) and Te Kotahitanga o Nga Hapu o Ngapuhi (Te Kotahitanga). What does this mean to Ngapuhi Katoa, and the NZ Public in general?

It means that the leadership of the two opposing groups TIMA and TK have, in conjunction with the Minister Andrew Little, reached agreement on a workable series of proposals to break the existing impasse and finally lead the iwi to settlement.

The fact that the four leaders of TK and TIMA, respectively Rudy Taylor, Pita Tipene, and Hone Sadler and Raniera Tau have formally taken ownership of the document is of utmost significance.

They have made an agreement, which the Crown acknowledges.

A series of hui across Tai Tokerau, and then across the nation will put the Tuhono proposals up for discussion. I have no doubt there will be bitter disagreement, vociferous opposition, and not a little jumping up and down. Those who will be most aggrieved at this sign of real quantifiable progress being made, will be those whose fanciful and unrealistic kaupapa will be most threatened by the emergence of common sense and a plan designed to get to grips with reality.

The past is a memory. What matters is not building future imaginary structures, the basis of which is wishful thinking, but grasping this real opportunity to move Ngapuhi, wha¯nau me hapu, forward. I sincerely hope that the great majority of our iwi will understand this fact, and support the initiative.

Nga mihi GM Tinker Whangarei