Strip their mandate: iwi

An iwi break-away group would rather have no Treaty settlement than see a Ngapuhi board keep its mandate.

The country’s largest iwi met last Friday to cast a vote on how it will negotiate a settlement with the Crown.

The meeting ended with four resignations and the possibility Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson may take the offer off the table.

It’s believed Cabinet may have discussed yesterday whether to adopt a proposal for a new structure to lead the talks - a product of the Maranga Mai report - or continue to work with the mandated board, Tuhoronuku

Finlayson’s office said he was considering advice from officials and would communicate with Tuhoronuku directly before making any public comment.

Prime Minister John Key said a Treaty settlement could only be successful if there were willing participants on both sides.

Moana Tuwhare, one of those who resigned on the back of Friday’s vote, said the conditions Tuhoronuku was seeking would mean things wouldn’t change and hapu would continue to have no representation in the process.

Asked if she was concerned Finlayson might take the settlement off the agenda, Tuwhare added: ‘‘It would be more of a concern if he didn’t take it off. There’s no trust or faith in Tuhoronuku anymore.’’