Report Summary

The Pouakani Report 1995

Wai 33

In March 1987, John Paki lodged a claim with the Waitangi Tribunal concerning the Maori-owned Pouakani B9B block and adjoining Crown lands. Mr Paki brought the claim on behalf of himself and the other trustees and beneficial owners of the lands held by the Titiraupenga and Pouakani B9B Trusts. The claim came to be registered as Wai 33.

The Tribunal constituted to hear the claim comprised Judge Ross Russell (presiding), Emarina Manuel, Professor Evelyn Stokes, and Bill Wilson. Three hearings were held in 1989, in May, August, and October, and the report was released in February 1993.

The Tribunal found that the claim was well founded and recommended that the Crown refund the costs incurred by the claimants in researching the boundaries of the Pouakani B9B and other blocks and that it return 343 acres of land taken as payment for survey charges. It also recommended that the Pouakani B9B block become whenua rahui, or protected land.