Te Ururoa Flavell, MP of Waiariki says that it is only right that compensation be paid out to families affected by the 2007 raids of Operation 8. This follows the announcement from the lawyer representing the family of Tūhoe Lambert who was arrested along with Tame Iti seeking compensation of up to $100,000 for each member.
A lawyer representing the Lambert family is pursuing compensation for how police conducted raids during Operation 8 in Auckland. Te Waiariki MP and Māori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell supports their application.
Te Ururoa Flavell says “This was a major mis-step by police, which has still not been resolved.”
The five members of Tuhoe Lambert's family are claiming $100,000 each, based on unreasonable search and seizure and for detainment at their Manurewa home in 2007. Most memorable for them was being held at gunpoint, something Tame Iti also experienced.
Tame Iti says 'It's only right for those of our family to challenge the Crown on the wrongs commited against the Lambert family in Auckland.'
The community of Ruatoki and wider Tuhoe have built up a collective civil case and will monitor its outcome. Tuhoe Lambert was originally charged following the raids, but later died in 2011.
Te Ururoa says, “The police have yet to raise their hands and say it was they who were at fault and that they did not follow the law.”
18 arrests were made in the raids carried out in Ruatoki and other parts of the country. Police refused to comment as the matter is before the courts.