Te Runanganui o Ngati Hikairo had planned to regularly update whanau on the Waitangi Tribunal Claims this year. But all Treaty Claims progress has been severely hampered in 2020 by the COVID 19 outbreak, and as a consequence there has not been a lot of progress to report. Below is an overview of where progress sits at this time:
The Te Rohe Potae Claims
Te Rohe Potae Waitangi Tribunal Report
The last draft chapter of the report was finally released on the 8th June 2020 and is currently being reviewed by the claims team.
However the following from the report states:
23.10.4 Tribal identity
“We find that the Crown has acted inconsistently with the principle of equal treatment by failing to respect the distinct identity of Ngāti Hikairo and Ngāti Te Wehi”.
Ngati Maniapoto
Despite Ngati Maniapoto having completed their mandating process, issues have arisen with hapu citing that their interests have not been fairly represented by the mandating process. Ngati Maniapoto are in the process of negotiating with these groups.
While in discussions with the Office of Treaty Settlements, now called Te Arawhiti, Ngati Maniapoto have been asked also to discuss cross-boundary issues with neighbouring iwi, including Ngati Hikairo.
Waikato- Tainui
WT are currently negotiating representation with various hapu and iwi prior to commencing the mandating process. Ngati Hikairo, along with hapu around Whaingaroa/Raglan have not agreed to WT representing their interests at this time. Part of the issue is that Waikato Tainui are unable to clearly explain how Ngati Hikairo will maintain its mana moana and mana whenua if represented by Waikato Tainui. Discussions are due to resume with Ngati Hikairo.
Ngati Hikairo
At this time the claims team have been approved by Te Arawhiti an iwi consultation period as part of the discussion regarding the claims process. This will include consultation with Iwi on the direction we will be taking to settle our outstanding claims. The ability to do this has been hampered by the COVID19 restrictions. A survey will be posted soon for whanau to complete regarding the process of the consultation.
