OTS Version

Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa are an iwi of approximately 2000 people whose area of interest lies between the Whangaroa and Mangonui Harbours in the Far North. Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa’s historical grievances relate to the Crown’s handling of pre-Treaty land transactions, nineteenth century land purchases by the Crown, and public works and scenery preservation takings.

The Taemaro land claim, lodged on behalf of Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa and concerning a large part of the iwi’s area of interest, was registered with the Waitangi Tribunal in 1985. From 1990 to 1994, the Tribunal heard the Taemaro land claim alongside claims made by other Far North iwi. In its 1997 Muriwhenua Land Report, the Tribunal found that the Crown’s actions in relation to Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa’s lands breached the Treaty of Waitangi.

The Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa claimants set up the Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa Trust Board (later renamed the Kahukuraariki Trust Board) to progress their claims with the Crown. Trustees are elected to the Board from each of the Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa marae. From 1997, a process was undertaken to enable members of Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa to mandate the Trust Board to negotiate their claims. The Crown recognised the mandate of the Trust Board in September 2001 subject to four conditions, all of which were fulfilled by October 2004. Negotiations on the settlement package began with the signing of Terms of Negotiation in October 2004.

On 22 December 2007, the Crown and the Trust Board signed an Agreement in Principle. The parties will now develop a detailed deed of settlement based on this agreement, and also the post-settlement governance arrangements to receive and manage the redress. Members of Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to accept the Crown’s offer as set out in the deed of settlement, and on the post-settlement governance arrangements. If ratified, the Deed will be signed and the settlement will be implemented and the redress transferred following the passage of settlement legislation.

The Trust Board carried out negotiations on behalf Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa. The Crown team is led by the Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Hon Dr Michael Cullen, and was formerly led by his predecessor Hon Mark Burton. The Crown team includes the Office of Treaty Settlements, with the support of the Department of Conservation, the Treasury, the Ministry of Fisheries and other government agencies.