MESSAGE TO THE CROWN

Te Rūnanga-a-Iwi o Ngāti Kahu holds the mandate and responsibility to represent the iwi of Ngāti Kahu on resource management, land claim and other issues as instructed by the fifteen hapū marae and sole taurahere of Ngāti Kahu. 

The hapū make the decisions and give instructions over their whenua and moana me ngā mana Tiriti, etc – NOT Te Rūnanga, and certainly not you.   In general, hapū represent themselves as they see fit and according to their tikanga.  But should they want or need the tautoko of other hapū, they bring their tāke to the other hapū at their monthly rūnanga.  After that, each hapū decides for itself if or how they will give their tautoko.  When hapū choose to act jointly as the iwi of Ngāti Kahu, they do so by instructing Te Rūnanga at their monthly rūnanga.

The hapū are and hold mana whenua and rangatiratanga.  These are principles and practices which are much deeper, higher and stronger than the governance role you hold.  Hapū mana whenua and rangatiratanga are based first and foremost on taking care of Papātūānuku and all her children.  You are expected to ensure those who have agreed to let you rule over them act in a way that supports that role.

When hapū act, either in their own right or together as iwi, they do not engage as submittors to or consultees with any of your agents, be it a sub-committee of a District Council like the MRG, an advisory committee to one of your agents like the Fisheries Fora, or one of your subsidiaries like the EPU or the EPA. Nor do hapū consult with your agents – they instruct you, and you instruct those agents. As such hapū are not compelled to attend any hui with any of your agents, especially when they have already conveyed their combined instructions to you as to what your agents can and cannot do in their rohe.

Regarding Te Rūnanga’s experience and expertise in the field; the literature on Māori land claims as well as case law on resource management can provide you with a starting point.  Documents ranging across the years from the Taipā Sewage Report (1988) to the High Court decision CIV 2010-488-348 (29 September 2011) are available to you.

Regarding Te Rūnanga’s representations and presence at fora across the motu me te ao on Te Whakaputanga, Te Tiriti, mana whenua and rangatiratanga, and all other aspects of tikanga, the extensive reports and pānui available on its official website http://ngatikahu.iwi.nz/ will provide you with another ready starting point. 

Te Rūnanga have not only consistently, unashamedly and effectively defended Ngāti Kahu against “a corporate takeover tsunami," it has done so against all-comers, including you. 

Te Rūnanga exists with or without legislation, and holds its mandate with or without your and your agents’ support.

Engari, kia mahi tonu tātou ki runga i te tika, te pono me te aroha.  Kei a koe.