About the Reports

Ngāti Tu claimant Bevan Taylor at Te Haroto Marae at the hand-over ceremony for the Mohaka ki Ahuriri Report, May 2004.

The Tribunal reports its findings and makes its recommendations in writing: in accordance with the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, the Tribunal serves sealed copies of its decisions on the claimants and the Minister of Māori Affairs, and on any other Ministers or persons that the Tribunal thinks appropriate. By June 2000, the Tribunal had produced almost 70 of these reports, ranging from brief, one-page statements to the exhaustive, 1200-page, three-volume Ngāi Tahu Report 1991.

In some cases, the Tribunal reports both its findings and its recommendations in one report. In other cases -particularly where the Tribunal might be asked to make binding recommendations - it may report in two stages. In this latter case, the Tribunal's first report is likely to contain only its findings, including whether the claim is well founded. Where the Tribunal upholds the claim, the parties may at that stage enter settlement negotiations, and it may not then be necessary for the Tribunal to make detailed recommendations. However, if such recommendations are required, the Tribunal will hold a 'remedies hearing', where further evidence and submissions directed at resolving the grievance will be presented. The Tribunal will then issue a second report containing its recommendations.

Sometimes, the Tribunal issues an interim report dealing with just part of a claim (or a grouping of claims) or presenting preliminary findings based on some but not all of the evidence. Such a report may be sufficient to enable the claimants and the Crown to enter into direct negotiations.

As well as being served on the Minister and the claimants, the Tribunal publishes its reports both in hard copy and on the internet, so that they are available to everyone. The printed versions of the Tribunal's reports can be ordered from most good bookstores or directly from the publishers Legislation Direct. To order contact Legislation Direct on (04) 568 0005 or email  ldorders@legislationdirect.co.nz