Northland hapu wants to withdraw from Treaty of Waitangi

Radio NZ
25 Oct 2006
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200610251753/northland_hapu_wants_to_withdraw_from_treaty_of_waitangi

A Northland hapu says it wants to withdraw from the Treaty of Waitangi.

A leader of the sub-tribe, Matarahurahu, says their ancestor, Hone Heke, was the first chief to sign the Treaty in 1840, which gives them the right to withdraw.

Hapu leader David Rankin says Maori are guaranteed the same rights and privileges as British subjects under Article Three of the Treaty. He says he has written to the British High Commissioner asking for access to British pensions, passports, healthcare and unemployment benefits but has received no reply.

An Auckland University of Technology history lecturer, Paul Moon, says the hapu has the legal right to withdraw from the Treaty, under the Vienna Convention on Treaties.

Dr Moon says the hapu would lose all rights under the Treaty if it withdraws.

Copyright © 2006 Radio New Zealand

Termination of Treaty 'has British Govt support'

Press Release: David Rankin
Wednesday, 25 October 2006
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0610/S00263.htm

In a controversial move, the leader of Northland's Matarahurahu hapu, David Rankin, has announced that he will be the first hapu in the country to withdraw from the Treaty of Waitangi. Mr. Rankin's ancestor, Hone Heke, was the first chief in the country to sign the Treaty on 6 February 1840.

'Our withdrawal from the Treaty is in accordance with international law governing Treaty relationships,' says Mr. Rankin. 'The process will involve me, on behalf of the hapu, officially advising the British High Commissioner and the New Zealand Government of this decision'.

Mr. Rankin has received qualified support from Treaty expert and historian, Professor Paul Moon, who points out that under the Vienna Convention on Treaties, provision exists for treaties to be terminated in this way.

As for the consequences, Mr Rankin is clear: 'The Crown will now have to recognize Matarahurahu sovereignty, and failure to do so will be a clear breach of international law', he points out. 'In addition', he says, 'the British High Commissioner has supported this move by refusing to uphold Britain's Treaty obligations with us any longer'.