Ngapuhi headed for scrap

As an outsider watching the process taking place that will result _ whichever path is chosen _ in

treaty negotiations taking place with the Crown, it's clear this is going to be a scrap.

Those in Ngapuhi that want a direct negotiation of a lump sum_ said to potentially be up to $170

million _ support the Ngapuhi Runanga's Tuhoronuku committee.

This is the committee currently out there seeking a mandate from Ngapuhi, to bargain with the

Crown. In their favour already is the fact that the Crown has

essentially said ``we like what you're proposing _ come back to us with a mandate''.

Pragmatic, even part-time political followers might find the next bit interesting _ ``mandate'' is a

very subjective, esoteric term.

The Crown might have a figure in mind but it has not publicly stated how many votes the 

Tuhoronuku committee has to collect.

Those that don't want a direct negotiation _ which would see representatives negotiate on the

tribe's behalf _ want individual claims heard. And the best venue for those

claims, they believe, is the Wai tangi Tribunal.

The tribunal has been listening to grievances in a formal capacity for the past year _ and many

believe that a natural process would be to continue on with hearing claims.

The tribunal could rule out or  add mana to claims. But it is a body that has no legal teeth.

This is not about money, it's about settling a rightful grievance. But one can't ignore the fact that

Ngapuhi will become a rich and powerful entity once the settle ment is achieved. The tribe will

become a major social and busi ness player within its rohe, within Northland.

The early indications are that the tribe will follow best practice in distribution, investment and

spending of settlement funds.  Ngapuhi has a proud warrior history, and a reputation for not

being afraid of a good stoush. It would be tragic if the tribe turned on itself, and in-fighting dominates

the mandate process.

The Crown doesn't do things the ``Maori way'' _ it will tick the right boxes and move on to the

next thing and cares little of the carnage Ngapuhi might litter its tribe with if the settlement process

causes it to implode. The Crown will be eyeing a pragmatic ``let's sort this out and

move on'' process.

A question Ngapuhi must also be eyeing now is whether $170 million is worth lifelong tribal rifts.