Tribunal releases part VI of report into Te Rohe Pōtae claims

The Waitangi Tribunal today released, in pre-publication format, Take a Takiwā – the sixth and final part of Te Mana Whatu Ahuru: Report on Te Rohe Pōtae Claims. The release marks the conclusion of the Tribunal’s long-running inquiry into claims in the Te Rohe Pōtae district, which extends from Whāingaroa Harbour to northern Taranaki and inland to the Waikato River and Taumarunui.

Parts I to V of Te Mana Whatu Ahuru have been progressively released in pre-publication format since 2018, focusing on major thematic issues agreed by parties.  They addressed and made findings on the impact of Crown actions, omissions, policy, and legislation on Te Rohe Pōtae Māori, and their ability to exercise mana whakahaere and tino rangatiratanga in a range of contexts and periods – from the early years of Crown purchasing, to the construction of the main trunk railway and the operation of the Native Land Court, through to the management of the environment and the delivery of health services to Te Rohe Pōtae Maōri in the present day.

Part VI differs significantly in scope and purpose. It provides a comprehensive inventory and assessment of the 278 registered claims in the Te Rohe Pōtae district, which are grouped according to takiwā (sub-region). Each of the district’s seven takiwā is introduced with a map and a short overview of its physical and human landscape. Important maunga, awa, and other landmarks are highlighted, as are sites of historical or spiritual significance. Each overview also details the main tribal groups, their connections to the area and one another, and how tangata whenua have lived in, used, tended, fought over, and valued the takiwā over time.

All claims associated with the particular takiwā are then documented in turn. For each claim, the Tribunal records the applicable findings from parts I to V of the report. Where claim-specific matters arise, it makes any additional findings that may be appropriate. Finally, the Tribunal assesses whether the claim is well founded.

Part VI thus shines a light on every individual Te Rohe Pōtae claim – whether small or large, localised or district-wide in scope, or lodged by an individual representing their tūpuna or by whānau, hapū, iwi, an incorporation, or a trust.

The Te Rohe Pōtae district inquiry began in 2010. The original Tribunal panel comprised Judge David Ambler (presiding officer), Sir Hirini Mead, Professor Pou Temara, John Baird, and Dr Aroha Harris. After Judge Ambler passed away in 2017, Deputy Chief Judge Caren Fox was appointed to the role of presiding officer and has led the release of this six-part report.

Part VI of Te Mana Whatu Ahuru: Report on Te Rohe Pōtae Claims is now available to download:

Te Mana Whatu Ahuru: Report on Te Rohe Pōtae Claims, Part VI – Pre-publication Version [PDF, 6MB](external link)

For all media inquiries, contact Ministry of Justice media team, (04) 918 8836 or media@justice.govt.nz.

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