In certain circumstances the Waitangi Tribunal may decide to urgently inquire into a claim, a group of claims, or part of a claim.
The criteria the Tribunal applies
In considering whether to grant urgency to an application for a remedies hearing, the Tribunal has regard to a number of factors. Of particular importance is whether:
- the claimants can demonstrate that they are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant and irreversible prejudice if a remedies hearing is not urgently convened;
- there is no alternative remedy that, in the circumstances, it would be reasonable for the claimants to exercise; and
- the claimants can demonstrate that they are ready to proceed urgently to hearing.
Find out more in the Tribunal’s Guide to Practice and Procedure
Urgency Inquiry Process - Practice note
This practice note solely concerns applications for urgency. It is issued pursuant to clause
5(9) and (10) of Schedule 2 of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975. The purpose of this practice
note is to outline a new and standardised procedure for the management of urgencies.
Practice Note - Te Tukanga Taihoro - Urgency Inquiry Process