Government Treaty Mandate Process In The North Is Divisive And Against Ngāpuhi Interests – Mike Smith

The Government’s current Treaty settlement mandate process in Te Tai Tokerau is deeply divisive and runs counter to the collective interests of Ngāpuhi.

Rather than strengthening unity and rangatiratanga, the process is fragmenting hapū, inflaming long-standing tensions, and forcing rushed decisions under Crown-imposed timelines. This approach prioritises administrative convenience over tikanga, whanaungatanga, and the careful, inclusive deliberation required for matters of such constitutional and intergenerational significance.

This is not the first time Ngāpuhi have faced this approach. The Crown’s previous, torturous mandate experiment through Tūhoronuku Independent Mandated Authority failed miserably when Ngāpuhi overwhelmingly rejected a process that sought to force settlement finality and the extinguishment of Te Tiriti rights without genuine hapū consent. That rejection was clear, principled, and decisive.

Yet despite that history, the Government is once again coming at Ngāpuhi with a recycled mandate strategy — different branding, same outcome — attempting to manufacture consent and push extinguishment through the back door.

Frances Goulton, Kuia of Ngāti Ruamahue, said the process is causing harm within communities:

“This mandate process is driving wedges between our people. We’ve been here before with Tūhoronuku, and we rejected it then for good reason. It ignores our tikanga and pressures whānau and hapū to fall into line rather than taking the time to build real agreement. That is not the Ngāpuhi way.”

Ngāpuhi have consistently made clear that unity cannot be imposed. Settlement achieved through division, coercion, or exhaustion is not reconciliation — it is destabilisation.

Mike Smith, Kaumātua of Tahawai, warned the consequences will be long-lasting:

“The Crown was told ‘no’ through Tūhoronuku, and instead of listening, it has come back again with another mandate process aimed at extinguishment. When the Government pushes ahead without hapū consent, it creates conflict that will last generations and guarantees any so-called settlement will lack legitimacy.”

We therefore call for an immediate pause in the mandate process to allow whānau and hapū the time and space for real consideration, open debate, and tikanga-based decision-making. Consent must be freely given and informed — not manufactured through pressure, deadlines, or by treating silence as agreement.

By continuing on its current path, the Government risks repeating past failures, entrenching conflict, and doing lasting damage to relationships within Ngāpuhi and between Māori and the Crown.

Ngāpuhi deserve a process that builds unity, respects hapū autonomy, and upholds the spirit and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi — not another failed mandate imposed in the name of expediency.