Ngāti Whātua Treaty Claim Background

Since 1992, the Rūnanga has carried out a key role in progressing the iwi claims of Ngāti Whātua through the claim, WAI 303. The Rūnanga has managed the WAI 303 claim on behalf of all of Ngāti Whātua to ensure that the iwi moves forward and settles its historical iwi claim. In addition, the Rūnanga is committed to providing a unified approach across Ngāti Whātua hapu who have not yet settled.

The claims associated with the Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara negotiations do not form a part of the negotiations led by the Rūnanga. Further, the claims that have been, or are in the process of being settled, as part of the Te Roroa, Te Uri o Hau and Ngāti Whātua o Orakei do not form part of these negotiations.

The Claimants

The claimants include all of Ngāti Whātua iwi in the context of the WAI 303 iwi claim. The claimant group therefore includes all individuals, whanau and hapu within the iwi of Ngāti Whātua who descend from the tupuna, Haumoewarangi and other recognised tupuna. This is consistent with the Rūnanga's Charter and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua Act 1988.

The Rūnanga is pursuing direct negotiations with the Crown whilst maintaining a watching brief in the Northland Inquiry in order to protect Ngāti Whātua interests within that inquiry district.

On 21 May 2008, the Crown confirmed the Rūnanga as being representative of a large natural grouping for Treaty settlement negotiations. The Crown endorsed the Rūnanga's mandate strategy on 23 May 2008.

The Rūnanga signed Terms of Negotiation with the Crown (subject to approval of the Deed of Mandate) in October 2008.

The Deed of Mandate was recognised in December 2008 by the newly elected National Coalition government.