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When you're ready, we're ready to settle.
That's the election year message from Prime Minister John Key
to Ngapuhi who is the last of all major iwi
to settle its Treaty claims.
But will Ngapuhi accept the challenge?
Earlier, I spoke with Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira.
Can Ngapuhi put aside your differences
and close the deal on your Treaty claims?
Mate, there wouldn't be a problem
if the government agreed to return land, forests,
lakes and rivers and everything else back to Ngapuhi.
John Key says he'll give you money if you settle quickly.
Your thoughts?
More important than money
is the land and the mana of Ngapuhi's hapu and iwi.
So don't think money is the important thing to us.
Based on that,
are you saying Ngapuhi shouldn't agree to his money?
Don't do it, because in the last decade it's been a paltry amount,
this year it's increased.
If we keep waiting until forever, it will only continue to increase.
A Treaty settlement will inject millions into Northland,
some are saying $500-600 million,
but will this help the poor and vulnerable?
If $600 million is given to us, that's less than 5%.
That's not Ngapuhi's settlement.
Leave Ngapuhi to look after ourselves.
When the government agrees to increase that amount
for us all to feed our kids.
Land and water resources over money?
Land is what's important.
If they agree to return it all, we'll leave money out of it.
That's what I'd say to him -
return all our assets and keep your money.
Tame Iti told Te Karere he's done with protests
now that Tuhoe have settled their grievances with the Crown.
Once Ngapuhi settles,
will you follow Tame's lead and stop with the protesting?
My stance isn't just for Ngapuhi,
my people are the poor and destitute of NZ.
My work isn't done until they're OK, not just Ngapuhi.
Do you think wider NZ understand more about Waitangi Day?
It's a start this year.
Next year, we should make an event to get people talking
so that the public can hear about the biggest issues
our country is facing and we can all grow an understanding
of the Treaty of Waitangi.
That was Hone Harawira and I speaking earlier.