Protesters support iwi’s court case

‘‘’kanohi ki te kanohi’’ (face to face) with Hauraki iwi.

‘‘The court decision process doesn’t prioritise tikanga Ma¯ ori.’’

Te Kani said it was not possible for two iwi to overlap in control of a rohe, or area.

Tauranga Moana was concerned about how Hauraki iwi might be included in local governance structures, including the Tauranga Harbour.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Andrew Little said he would ensure the conditions were right for a tikanga approach to be taken.

Ma¯ ori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta said it was important not to set a bad precedent in settlement.

‘‘Minister [Andrew Little] himself says he wants to go through a tikanga process . . . the ball’s in the Government’s court.’’

Hauraki Collective chairman Paul Majurey said the iwi were committed to addressing the settlement through a tikanga process, in a letter to the Ma¯ ori Affairs Select Committee on May 10.

‘‘We have agreed that the Treaty settlement arrangements for the governance and oversight of the harbour and catchments . . . will not be included in our collective settlement at this time.’’

Protesters travelled to Wellington in eight buses from Tauranga, gathering supporters from Nga¯ ti Raukawa in O¯ taki along the way. Nga¯ ti Wha¯ tua and Nga¯ puhi were also represented in the crowd. Many moved to the Supreme Court after the protest.