Don't speak for us, says iwi

Far North Maori have been misrepresented during the foreshore and seabed debate and the North "is not of one view", says Cape Reinga tribe Ngati Kuri.

The iwi's foreshore and seabed spokesman, Rudy Taylor, said yesterday that tribal members were concerned by claims Tai Tokerau was unified on the issue and by the political heat some people were trying to generate.

"There are a lot of people around that purport to speak for certain whanau, hapu or iwi. Ngati Kuri is saying we know who speaks on our behalf and we will speak once we have digested what the Government is saying."

There was a lot of work to be done on the Government's framework before Ngati Kuri would say it was happy with the plans - particularly around the issue of commercial development opportunities.

"But we want to investigate how we can move forward with the Government, combined with what we hope to add at select committee time and through lobby groups to our Maori members of Parliament."

It was essential the select committee held hearings in areas like Te Hapua, whose communities were dependent on their relationship with the coast, Mr Taylor said.

Ngati Kahu and Te Rarawa have in recent weeks unveiled campaigns to get their message across.

Ngati Kahu will hand out leaflets at the beach, while Te Rarawa will erect pouwhenua (marker poles).

Beaches named in a public notice about the campaign include the popular holiday spots of Tokerau, Taipa, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, Hihi, Rangiputa, Puheke, Karikari, Matai Bay and Perehipe.