Ref the article 'Settling Claim Debate” Weekend Sun November 9. I fully agree with Colin Bidois that Ngai Tahu have made excellent use of their settlement proceeds as it has been getting right down to the grass roots of the iwi for some time now. Why? Because Ngai Tahu leaders have been well educated and have excellent business experience and sense. However Ngai Tahu are quoted all the time as the iwi that has done really well with their claim proceeds.
Why are none of the others doing so well? A number of iwi have had plenty of time to get themselves organised like Ngai Tahu. When the question is asked 'What are they doing with the claim monies ?” there are two answers that crop up all the time! 'It has nothing to do with you”. Well it has, as it is our tax money that is being paid out, and 2. 'We are using it to plan for the future”. Fair enough but the grass roots Maori need assistance right now as well as in the future.
Colin Bidois appears to have a common sense and middle of the road view of the whole treaty settlement situation.
Roger Bailey, Papamoa.
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Problem still remains
Posted on 24-11-2012 20:54 | By Mike Kuipers von Lande
But the problem still remains that Ngai Tahu received this money by fraud. This was a fifth 'full and final settlement, worth $85,000 per head for each Maori person estimated to be living in the South Island at one point. Shortly they are due to get around another half $billion under the 6th final settlement rachet clause. This is half a $million for each ancestor.
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