Māori Issues
Q and A

'We don't want to be victims' – The iwi with hopes of independence

October 22, 2017

Whena Owen talks to Tamati Kruger about sovereignty and Tuhoe’s future. (Source: Other)

Ngāi Tūhoe leader Tamati Kruger says the iwi does not want to be defined by its negative past, but rather look to the future.

He spoke on TVNZ1's Q+A this morning, saying they "wish to be responsible for ourselves". 

He also talked about the comparison with the iwi wishing to not be held by what happens in Wellington, with what is happening in Spain with Catalonia wishing to be independent, and the unsuccessful move of Scotland to try to break away from Britain.

New ZealandMāori Issues

SHARE ME

More Stories

Rangatahi learn about safe river crossing, rescue swimming with recovery ropes, CPR, first aid and spinal injuries in the water in last year's 360 Rangatahi Life Skills initiative, funded through Whiria Ngā Hua.

Iwi-led investment helps whānau thrive across Ruapehu

Ngāti Rangi has funded 34 new whānau initiatives in its fourth round of Whiria Ngā Hua, a programme aimed at creating local solutions to help whānau and hapori (communities) thrive.

Friday 5:30pm

Te Mana Kuratahi 2025 champions Te Wharekura o Kirikiriroa

Te Wharekura o Kirikiriroa named Te Mana Kuratahi kapa haka champs

The group were one of six representing the rohe (region) of Tainui, emerging from a competitive event that saw 62 groups compete.

Friday 4:57pm

Jack Karetai-Barrett is proud of his mum, Mawera Karetai, becoming the Kōhi Māori ward councillor at Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

How a teen's passion for Māori wards led to a shock win for his mum

Mawera Karetai didn't have a single billboard or spend a cent on her Māori ward election campaign in the Bay of Plenty.

Wed, Nov 5

Ngāti Pāoa in Parliament for the third reading of the Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Bill.

Ngāti Pāoa celebrate passing of $23m Treaty settlement bill

The bill's passing marks a significant milestone in settling decades-long historical grievances with the Crown.

Wed, Nov 5

The entrance of the Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua.

Crews extinguish fire at Rotorua's Mitai Māori Village

Crews from across the region were called to the popular tourist attraction after a fire broke out.

Wed, Nov 5

1:32

An empty classroom (file image).

Shock as Govt looks to remove schools' Treaty of Waitangi requirement

Education Minister Erica Stanford said the treaty was the Crown's responsibility, not schools'.

Tue, Nov 4

2:37

Latest

Popular

7:45pm

Person found dead following Hamilton house fire

Fire generic.

7:32pm

Craft beer businesses under pressure as CO2 prices fizz over

2:35

One of the industries hit hard is craft beer brewers, who rely on CO2.

7:19pm

43 hikers evacuated as 300ha blaze tears through Tongariro National Park

A massive blaze burning in Tongariro National Park on November 8, 2025.

7:00pm

'Please forgive me': Jelly Roll cancels Auckland show

Grammy-nominated singer and rapper Jelly Roll.

6:24pm

Cirque du Soleil performer injured after 'rough landing'

Cirque du Soleil performers at its Crystal show in 2023.

5:59pm

'Could've been catastrophic': Arrests after fireworks shot into store

0:23

Fireworks were fired into an Auckland lawnmower shop while workers were inside.
1
2
3
4
5
6

More from Entertainment

This combination of photos show Jack Antonoff, left, Kendrick Lamar, center, and Lady Gaga.

Kendrick Lamar leads 2026 Grammy nominations

The rapper is up for nine trophies at February’s ceremony: record, song and album of the year — marking the third time he’s had simultaneous nominations in those big categories.

7:31am

'I hope it happens': The Chase's Supernerd on his quest to find lasting love

'I hope it happens': The Chase's Supernerd on his quest to find lasting love

Chaser fame has brought Issa Schultz all sorts of (sometimes odd) attention, but is yet to deliver the life-long partner his heart desires.

6:00am

A still from the Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer.

Highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI delayed again

Friday 1:41pm

Actress Pauline Collins attends the premiere of 'Quartet' during the 56th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square on October 15, 2012 in London, England

Shirley Valentine actress Pauline Collins dies, aged 85

Friday 1:20pm

Anna Sawai.

Kiwi actress Anna Sawai cast as Yoko Ono in Beatles biopic

Mon, Nov 3