Last month we reported that an Auckland iwi, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Tribal Trust, had won a Supreme Court case giving it the right to re-apply for exclusive rights to conduct commercial operations on Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands. The iwi argued DOC didn't properly consider the issues relating to the Treaty of Waitangi when granting concessions for commercial activities, in particular the interpretation of section 4 of the Conservation Act, "to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi". Continue reading

‘The Treaty and its Times’, by Paul Moon and Peter Briggs, (Resource Books). Starting around 1800, this book moves to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and finishes with the Northland wars of 1845. You will find detail on how and why the Treaty was written, the robust debate around the signing, and its aftermath. An excellent reference book.

Time: 2.00pm Venue: Room 1, Level 26, 135 Albert Street Auckland The Minister for Māori Development Nanaia Mahuta is to address the Forum. Public are welcome to attend. The agenda is available HERE. Continue reading

As to the implementation aspect of the Plan, the review says that the agencies involved in the project each developed their own processes for considering how to implement the plan. For instance, Auckland Council and Waikato Regional Council have taken different approaches. Please click HERE to download this file. Continue reading

NZCPR has launched a campaign to restore public ownership of the coast. Continue reading

The first of the High Court cases to be heard is the Clarkson application. Details about this claim (and the other overlapping claims) are available on the NZCPR website. Please click HERE. Continue reading

As part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement, 14 volcanic cones were given to 13 iwi and hapū of Auckland when the Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Deed passed into law in 2014. North Head (Maungauika) is the last of these to come under the control of the Tupuna Maunga Authority (TMA) - when it was transferred from the Department of Conservation on January 18.  Continue reading

In a treaty settlement well underway for Whanganui iwi, the Whanganui Land Settlement Negotiation Trust (WLSNT) is negotiating for ownership of land around the airport, harbour and city endowment land, as well as Pākaitore, (also known as Moutoa Gardens). Radio NZ recently reported they are also seeking ownership of the harbour. Continue reading

The Iwi Chairs Forum held its first hui of the year in the lead up to Waitangi Day. Tribal leaders welcomed the government's willingness to give Māori a greater say in the way the country is run. Continue reading

Marlborough District council is holding a hui early this year to encourage a partnership with iwi. Part of that is more iwi representation on council. A sub committee has been formed to work out the best way forward with the appointment of cultural advisors and iwi representation, according to Councillor Nadine Taylor, chair of the subcommittee. Continue reading