Government Treaty Mandate Process In The North Is Divisive And Against Ngāpuhi InterestsThe 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. 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. Frances Goulton, Kuia of Ngāti Ruamahue, said the process is causing harm within communities:“This mandate process is driving wedges between our people. 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.