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The Nga Hapu o Ngati Porou Foreshore and Seabed Deed of Agreement was ratified by nga hapu and signed by hapu representatives in October 2008. The Nga Rohe Moana o Nga Hapu o Ngati Porou Bill was introduced to Parliament to give effect to the Deed. The legislative process was delayed by a change in government, repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004, and enactment of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011. Since then, the Crown and representatives of Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou have negotiated amendments to the Deed to reflect improvements in the new Act. Hapu representatives have also prepared trusts referred to as “Management Arrangements” under the Deed to Amend. There are six Management Arrangements, based on six hapu clusters across the Ngati Porou rohe, to provide representation for hapu in respect of takutai moana matters.
Hapu members now have the opportunity to decide, by way of formal ratification, whether to support or not support the Deed to Amend and the Management Arrangements.
A Ratification Information Booklet, the Deed to Amend, and the trust deeds for the Management Arrangements are available online at www.ngatiporou.com/takutaimoana. Paper copies may be viewed at Te Runanganui’s offices at Shed 3, 50 The Esplanade, Gisborne, or Porou Ariki, 195 Wainui Road, Gisborne, or 1 Barry Avenue, Ruatoria.
For the amended Deed and Management Arrangements to be ratified by the respective hapu clusters, a series of ratification hui is being held for all members of the hapu listed in the amended Deed. At the ratification hui notified by this panui, Ngati Wakarara and Ngati Hau members will be asked to vote on these resolutions:
Attendance registers will be taken at the ratification hui and Crown officials will be present as observers of the process.
We encourage Ngati Wakarara and Ngati Hau members to attend and participate. The method of voting at the hui will be at the discretion of the hapu in accordance with their agreed tikanga.
A date has yet to be set for ratification hui for other hapu in the Nga hapu mai i Kokoronui ki Te Toka a Taiau cluster; ie: Ngati Ira, Ngai Tutekohi, Ngati Kahukuranui, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Te Whanau a Te Rangipureora, Ngati Patuwhare, Ngati Konohi, Ngati Oneone, Ngati Kuranui. Please keep an eye on newspaper panui, Te Runanganui’s website and Facebook page for notice of any further ratification hui.
For further information, visit Te Runanganui’s website: www.ngatiporou.com/takutaimoana, email: takutaimoana@tronp.org.nz, or telephone Albie McFarlane or Jacqui Ata on 06 867 9960.
Authorised by Rei Kohere as Nga Hapu o Ngati Porou Foreshore and Seabed Committee Chair
