Kelvin Davis

• Te Tai Tokerau

"Settling our claims is merely a step in our collective journey towards greatness as a people, it is not a destination in itself"

Sir James Henare once said, “It is preposterous that any Māori should aspire to become a poor pākehā, when their true destiny, prescribed by the Creator, is to become a great Māori.”

All Ngapuhi have the potential to achieve greatness, but for this to happen we need to operate with the collective interests of all whānau and hapū that comprise Ngapuhi iwi.

Settling our claims is merely a step in our collective journey towards greatness as a people, it is not a destination in itself.

Settlement should be viewed as a tool for whānau and hapu to achieve a greater vision.

Once settlement has been reached Ngapuhi whānau and hapū must work together to develop the plans, projects and dreams that will energise and inspire our people.

Other iwi have led the way but Ngapuhi have traditionally been the leaders, not the followers.

Settlement will provide the foundation for Ngapuhi to break new ground as indigenous leaders.
I envisage the day in the not too distant future where Ngapuhi whānau and hapū are the backbone of business, art, spiritual, social, scientific and cultural enterprise in Te Tai Tokerau, and are prominent leaders on a national and international level.

To fulfil that vision we need an enduring settlement to resource Ngapuhi whānau and hapū to achieve our true potential and destiny as described by Sir James Henare, that is to become truly great Māori.