Frequently Asked Questions

This kaupapa is about a desire to settle Ngâi Te Rangi’s historical Treaty claims with the Crown in an efficient and robust manner. Ngâi Te Rangi have progressed its Treaty claims through the Waitangi Tribunal process over the past decade and now its time to move into the next stage of the Treaty settlement process. This involves mandating (or authorising) a suitable Ngâi Te Rangi entity to enter into discussions with the Crown to settle Ngâi Te Rangi’s historical Treaty claims on behalf of all descendants of Ngâi Te Rangi.

What are historical Treaty claims?

Historical Treaty claims relate to grievances arising from Crown breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi that occurred before 21 September 1992. So any grievances that occurred after 21 September 1992 are not included in this kaupapa.

What is happening with the Waitangi Tribunal hearings?

Ngâi Te Rangi came together at a Hui-a-Iwi and an Iwi conference in 2007 and recommended that Ngâi Te Rangi move on from the Waitangi Tribunal process and enters into negotiations with the Crown. Stage II of the Tribunal hearings is complete and whilst a report is pending it does not have to hold us up from commencing negotiations with the Crown.

Why does Ngâi Te Rangi need to negotiate with the Crown?

Ngâi Te Rangi Iwi, hapû and whânau have brought their respective claims before the Waitangi Tribunal. The Tribunal has completed its hearings and rather than pursue further hearings and final reports we want to progress in order to save time and money. Changes in Treaty settlement policy mean that the Government are aiming to settle all historical Treaty claims by 2020.

A mandate is the process by which an Iwi gives authority to a representative group to enter into discussions with the Crown on their behalf. In this instance, it is proposed that Te Rûnanga o Ngâi Te Rangi Iwi Trust be the mandated authority for Ngâi Te Rangi descendents, whanau and hapu. The Crown can only settle Ngâi Te Rangi's historical Treaty claims with a properly mandated entity. note that a mandate to negotiate only gives the mandated representatives the authority to negotiate a draft Deed of Settlement. Once a deed of settlement is completed another Ngâi Te Rangi postal vote must be held on whether the Draft Deed of Settlement is acceptable to the people or not.

Who is proposed to be the mandate entity on behalf of Ngâi Te Rangi?

The proposed mandate entity on behalf of Ngâi Te Rangi is Te Rûnanga o Ngâi Te Rangi Iwi Trust.

Who is Te Rûnanga o Ngâi Te Rangi Iwi Trust?

Te Runanga o Ngâi Te Rangi Iwi Trust is the primary governance entity for Ngâi Te Rangi. In 2007 the Rûnanga was mandated by an overwhelming postal vote of support of adult descendants of Ngâai Te Rangi (99.9% in favour) to receive and manage Ngâi Te Rangi’s commercial fisheries settlement assets. However, a new mandate is required if the Rûnanga is also to become the mandated Ngâi Te Rangi entity to enter into negotiations with the Crown.

What other options are there?

There are several options available to Ngai Te Rangi including the option to do nothing. The Rûnanga is promoting the current option (to mandate Te Runanga o Ngai Te Rangi Iwi Trust to enter into negotiations with the Crown) because it is timely and it saves money.

How will Hapu be included in the Settlement Process?

It is proposed that a Hapu Forum is established comprising hapu representatives. The task of the hapu forum is to work collaboratively with Te Rûnanga o Ngâi Te Rangi Iwi Trust in reviewing and providing input to a draft settlement Strategy; developing settlement objectives and other tasks set out in the Mandate Strategy. Each hapû representative will be appointed by their respective hapû.

How will the Mandate Process work?

The following mandate process will occur:

· Information hui will be held around the North Island (see list of dates, times and venues attached).

· A postal vote containing a formal resolution will take place to officially seek mandate for Te Rûnanga o Ngâi Te Rangi.

· Further information will be available from Te Rûnanga o Ngâi Te Rangi including a copy of the mandate strategy.

· The results of the postal vote will be advertised publicly on 25 April 2008.

I am a Ngâi Te Rangi Descendent but how do I Participate?

Ngâi Te Rangi descendants who are 18 years or older and registered on the Iwi Register will automatically receive a Voting Pack in the mail. Any Ngâi Te Rangi descendant who is not yet registered is able to request a Special Voting Pack, and a Special Voting Paper and registration form will be sent to you. Special Votes will only be counted once registration is confirmed. To request a Special Voting Pack you can contact Te Rûnanga o Ngâi Te Rangi at the contact details contained on the front cover letter.

Do I have to Participate?

No, Ngâi Te Rangi descendants do not have to participate. However, all descendants of Ngâi Te Rangi aged 18 years or older are encouraged to participate in this kaupapa because it is important to Ngâi Te Rangi’s future. Active participation in this process can be undertaken by:

· Ensuring that you are registered on the Iwi Register.

· Requesting a Special Voting Pack if you are not yet registered on the Iwi Register.

· Contacting any other Ngâi Te Rangi person and advising them of this kaupapa.

· Attending any of the Information Hui.

· Completing your postal voting paper and returning it by the due date.

Where can I get further information?

You can attend any one of the Information Hui listed on the Hui Details sheet attached. From 17 March 2008 you may also access the Iwi website for further information. Generic information about the Treaty claims settlement process can also be viewed at the website of the Office of Treaty Settlements: www.ots.govt.nz.

What happens to the individual Waitangi Tribunal claims filed up to 21 September 1992?

Te Rûnanga o Ngâi Te Rangi acknowledges the time and effort that individual, whânau and hapû claimants have put into the Waitangi Tribunal process to date. Many of our claims may not have developed if not for the dedication and commitment shown by individuals. However, Crown policy is to only negotiate and settle Treaty claims with Large Natural Groupings. While this is yet to be confirmed by the Crown, there is no doubt in our minds that Ngâi Te Rangi as an iwi is a Large Natural Grouping for this purpose. If mandate is successful individual claims will be settled via Te Rûnanga o Ngâi Te Rangi Iwi Trust on an individual basis.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS