23 December 2003 Media Release

FORUM TO LEAD NGATI TUWHARETOA HAPU/IWI INTO NEGOTIATIONS

John Mariu of Ngati Karauia will chair the Ngati Tuwharetoa hapu forum that will lead that iwi into direct negotiations with the Crown. Mariu has a substantial background in general management.

He said today that Ngati Tuwharetoa are currently working with the Office of Treaty Settlements on the submission process. He is expecting the Crown to accept the Deed of Mandate, which was advertised last month, by mid January.
 
“ Once this has happened we will be working hard to undertake our research and put in place a framework for negotiation.”

The forum will consist of one hapu representative from the 25 participating hapu to govern and lead negotiations with the Crown. Ngati Tuwharetoa has also advertised for a project manager.

The Ngati Tuwharetoa executive is made up of John Hepi, Ngati Te Maunga, Jimi Hill, Ngati Ruingarangi, Peter Clarke, Ngati Hineure, Lenny Johns Ngati Tutemohuta, Lana TeRangi, Ngai Turangitukua, Brenda Pakau, Ngati Hikairo, and Renee DeBar, Kapa O Te Rangiita.

Crown Forestry Rental Trust commends participating hapu for their work and will actively work with Ngati Tuwharetoa to assist them to prepare for negotiation with the Crown.