The first Taihape conference was held on 24 May 2010 to discuss Taihape inquiry boundaries, process and other related issues. As a result of that conference, the eastern boundary in the Ruahine Ranges follows the boundaries of the original Māori land blocks rather than current local government boundaries. Claims in the Taihape inquiry district will be heard in a single-stage comprehensive inquiry.

The second Taihape conference was held on 29 November 2010 to discuss recommended research, a comprehensive inquiry process, and other related matters. The following agreed topics were approved for research:

• Tribal Landscape
• Nineteenth Century Land and Politics
• Twentieth Century Land and Politics
• Local Government, Rating and Native Townships
• Public Works Takings for Defence and other Purposes
• Rangitīkei River (including tributary waterways)
• Environment and Resource Management
• Economic and social experience
• Block histories
• Wāhi tapu and portable taonga

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The Waitangi Tribunal received a number of claims in Taihape, Rangitīkei, Manawatū, Kapiti and Porirua. Before inquiring into these claims, the Tribunal held consultative judicial conferences to find out:

• Who are the main claimants?
• Who are their spokespersons?
• Which claimant groups have legal representation?
• How many claimants wish to to participate in a Tribunal inquiry?
• What kind of inquiry process would be appropriate for the district?
• What preparations do claimants need to make to be ready for an inquiry?

The Waitangi Tribunal held two consultative judicial conferences in Ōtaki and Palmerston North in April and August 2009 respectively. The Tribunal initially considered holding a single regional inquiry in the area from Taihape to Kapiti, but as a result of these conferences the Tribunal decided to create a separate Taihape inquiry district west of the Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges, and south of the Kaimanawa mountains.