Mana News editor Joe Trinder

The mainstream media have succeeded in persuading the public to dismiss King Tuheitia claim on Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland)

Stuff published this article written by an anonymous editor and sought the opinion of self appointed Auckland based plumber David Rankin as somehow representative of Ngapuhi. Stuff also declared the Maori King had been told off  by the insignificant David Rankin. Click here is a full appraisal of David Rankin’s position within Maoridom.

The anonymous editor asked the opinion of Winston Peters in a PR campaign to set public opinion against any legitimate Treaty claim. Making every effort to avoid  journalism that intentionally and transparently adopts a non-objective viewpoint,

Sir Pita Sharples discouraged King Tuheitia worried it could undermine claims from other Iwi. A divide and conquer a strategy used often by the crown. An invisible rule the crown can only offer the bare minimum in compensation to Iwi.

The Kingitanga  claim to Tamaki Makaurau is legitimate this Iwi owned a vast territory right up to Mangere mountain possibly further to the Karangahape Pa.

The claim could possibly be war reparations for the invasion of the Waikato. An unlawful invasion based on the refusal of the Kingitanga to be submissive to Queen Victoria.

This Waitangi Tribunal claim could include the fencibles barracks at Jellicoe Park in Onehunga and the Onehunga Naval volunteers building. Many of the redoubts and stockades across Auckland are within Tainui territory.

But I’m just speculating so I will leave King Tuheitia’s claim to the Waitangi Tribunal before denouncing historical facts.