Waitangi Tribunal

More evidence in the new Whanganui District Inquiry (Wai 903) will be heard by the Waitangi Tribunal next week.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Whanganui hearings in 2007 and 2008. Next week’s hearing runs from 27-31 August at the Whanganui racecourse starting with a mihi whakatau at 9.00am on Monday.

Claimant groups giving evidence are Ngā  Paerangi, Ngā  Poutamanui-a-Awa, Ngāti Hineoneone, Ngāti Pāmoana, Ngāti Hine te Ra, Ngāti Ruwai and Ngāti Waikarapu, and Ngā  Wairiki.

Author David Young will present his Southern Whanganui cluster traditional history report.  Issues to be raised include land loss, Native Land Court processes, compulsory acquisitions and purchases and environmental policy and practice.

The Whanganui lands inquiry encompasses over 50 claims covering an area stretching from the mouth of the Whanganui River to just north of Taumarunui. It also takes in lands around the Whangaehu River and Waiouru in the east and the catchment of the Waitotara River in the west.

The Whanganui Tribunal panel are Judge Carrie Wainwright, Dr Angela Ballara, Dr Ranginui Walker and Professor Wharehuia Milroy.

The first hearing in August this year included evidence on the relationship between Whanganui Mäori and the Crown from 1840.  The Tribunal heard evidence from Tüpoho hapū , Te Poho o Matapihi Trust and the hapü of the lower reaches of the Whanganui River. Also, customary domain kōrero from the Whare Wānanga o Whanganui led by Rangatihi Tahuparae.
 
Tangata whenua groups from all over the Whanganui inquiry district will present evidence for the Whanganui District Inquiry during 2007 and 2008.

The remaining confirmed hearing dates and venues for 2007 are: