Issues raised in evidence over the course of the hearings included the early 'purchase' of Whanganui lands by the New Zealand company, the Native Land Court, and Crown purchasing of Māori land in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the vesting and management of land in the twentieth century, takings for public works and particularly scenery preservation, including the foundation of the Whanganui National Park, the main trunk railway line, the creation and management of native townships, and issues of authority and kaitiakitanga of the environment.

The first block of hearings in the Whanganui lands inquiry took place in the lower reaches of the Whanganui River from August to September 2007. Tangata whenua evidence was presented to the Tribunal, along with expert evidence from technical witnesses. The second block of hearings were held in the central regions of the Whanganui River from March to May 2008. The third block of claimant hearings were held over three weeks from September to November 2008, in and around Taumarunui. The final claimant hearing week was held in March 2009 in Öhakune. Two Crown hearing weeks were held in May 2009, with additional days in June and August. From October to December 2009, three hearing weeks were held in Taumarunui, Öhakune and Whanganui township for both claimants and the Crown to close their cases. Claimant counsel submitted replies in writing in March 2010

This inquiry is now in the report writing phase.