can you please post the following to native-net?
mahalo.
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news from Aotearoa (aka "New Zealand")
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SETTLEMENT WHICH WOULD NEGATE MAORI TREATY RIGHTS
(UNDER THE TREATY OF WAITANGI)
Te Roopu Kawau Maro was formed from various iwi (tribes) in Tamaki
Makau Rau (aka Auckland) in apprehension with what they regard as
the objectionable Fiscal Envelope deal, that has been formed
between the National Government and certain hand picked Maori
negotiators.
The deal seeks to call all land claims in Aotearoa at $1 billion
dollars. This is seen as a full and final settlement. The billion
dollar deal has been secretly negotiated in private over the last 5
years. These negotiations have been carried out behind closed doors,
with Maori ill informed.
The enabling legislation is 2 weeks from being passed into law.
Our objections are:
*This issue is about the preservation of our heritage for our
mokopuna (grandchildren).
*The disparity of Maori iwi (tribes) ie, those whose administrative
bases are less developed than others.
*This issue is not about money. It is about rights that cannot be
sold, exchanged, or bought.
*Furthermore, we question the worth of the land involved, in monetary
terms, $1 billion dollars does not even cover the present claims held
with the Waitangi Tribunal. This is inadequate.
*The negotiators include Robert Mahuta, Sir Tipene O'Reagan, Sir
Graham Latimer and others. Each negotiator is known to have been
paid substantial amounts for their role.
*However these negotiators have been picked by Government and have no
clear mandate from the iwi (tribes). We also question the
Government's dubious tactic of picking those Maori that would agree
to this form of final settlement.
We are supported by WAC, SHAC, and TINO RANGATIRATANGA.
Heoi ano, na nga mema o te Roopu Kawau Maro.