Iwi gathering to raise their voice

By RUTH BERRY political reporter

Iwi around the country are mobilising to reject the Government's foreshore and seabed policy and say that the ownership battle is far from over.

Iwi leaders are planning to meet in Wellington on Thursday, the day after the policy is released to develop their campaign to change the Government's mind.

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia has meanwhile asked the Government's Maori caucus to meet in Wellington today to evaluate the paper set to be signed off at Cabinet on Monday.

The caucus is not planning to petition for changes over the weekend, but Mr Horomia said yesterday that there was room for negotiation between the release of the policy and the introduction of the legislation.

He would not say whether he was fully supportive of the policy.

"But what I am prepared to say is the Maori caucus is consistent in trying to get the best for their people."

Several other Maori MPs said a significant Maori backlash could yet force the Government's hand.

Tainui MP Nanaia Mahuta yesterday urged iwi to take a strong stand.

"I'm looking for fundamental shifts in thinking about where the resolution is.

"That negotiation and that solution have to be outside of Parliament and we need the full force of our iwi to provide that direction."

Asked if Prime Minister Helen Clark appeared open to further negotiation, Ms Mahuta said: "It's really hard to tell, in all honesty."

Meetings within and between iwi have been stepped up again in the past two weeks.

Hauraki met last week to develop an action plan, to be unveiled next week. Its leaders will meet heads of other iwi forming the Tainui waka, together representing some 120,000 people, on Monday.

Te Arawa meets Waiariki MP Mita Ririnui on the same day and Te Tai Tokerau MP Dover Samuels was meeting constituents in the Far North yesterday. Iwi leaders from these areas are expected to join others at Thursday's meeting, hosted by Te Ope Mana a Tai.

Ngai Tahu leader Mark Solomon said yesterday that he would be there as the matter required iwi to pool their strength.

"This is an issue where Ngai Tahu cannot do a deal on its own."

Ngai Tahu had always been clear the Court of Appeal findings should stand.

Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngapuhi chairman Sonny Tau, who will join the Muriwhenua tribes at the Wellington meeting, said Ngapuhi groups had talked with Maori MPs this week and were "ropeable".

"They have not moved far from their initial position. We feel it's just another raupatu [confiscation]."

Mr Samuels had put the views of local, hapu and iwi forward, but had seemed to "fall into line" when knocked back, Mr Tau said.

Te Arawa Maori Trust Board head Arapeta Tahana said people were "desperately unhappy" with what they were being told.

Tuwharetoa and Whanganui River leaders are among others likely to attend.

Ngati Porou stayed away from national Maori hui on the issue, preferring to conduct its own discussions with the Government.

Their spokesman, Mataanuku Mahuika, said the iwi had yet to decide whether to attend Thursday's hui.

Mr Horomia said he had been talking with iwi leaders all week and once they understood the changes they were "reasonably comfortable".