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It's taken years for Tuhoe to go into negotiations
with the Crown over their Treaty claim.
Now it may take a little bit longer
as Te Toi Kura o Waikaremoana claim Ngati Ruapani is an iwi
in their own right, and not a hapu of Tuhoe.
They're off again, this time to Wellington,
as they seek support of their mandate
from the descendants of the eponymous ancestor, Ruapani.
Ruapani's authority
is the same as Tuhoe's - there's no difference.
The purpose of the mandate is to authorise
Te Toi Kura o Waikaremoana, to enter into negotiations
with the Crown for the settlement of seven claims, including land,
water, and sections of Waikaremoana
they say was taken through injustice and land alienation.
We're talking 357,000 acres of land under Ruapani.
Our camera was banned from entering last night's hui,
that attracted almost 300 descendants of Tuhoe,
and Ruapani, who came to register, vote,
agree, and also disagree with the mandate.
We know there are hapu in Waikaremoana
that originate from Tuhoe.
Their meeting houses Te Waimako and Te Poho o Tuhoe Potiki
is Tuhoe as well.
They say Tuhoe has no right there.
But we are here to protect our property.
A settlement worth up to $170 million in assets,
that is due to be signed on March 22.
But it's being halted by this mandate.
The last hui will take place in Waikaremoana tomorrow,
before submitting a deed of mandate to the Crown.
Kereama Wright, Te Karere.