Introduction

From the establishment of the Native Lands Act in 1862, Tapuika has been on a journey to seek redress for breaches of the Treaty which led to the loss of our lands as a result of the outcomes of the Native Land Court process and the Crown’s involvement. Every aspect of our tikanga tells us that Te Takapu o Tapuika has remained the domain of Tapuika to this very day, yet the Native Land Court and the Crown told our tupuna that this land was not ours.

We believe that Tapuika has achieved all it can on the path that the Waitangi Tribunal has provided to date. It is now time to push forward and enter direct negotiations with the Crown for the settlement of all our Treaty of Waitangi historical claims, so that we can build a strong future for all Tapuika descendants.

This information booklet produced by the Tapuika Iwi Authority (TIA) Trust provides important information on the background to Tapuika’s Treaty of Waitangi claims and outlines the work that the Iwi Authority has undertaken to date to progress settlement of Tapuika’s historical grievances against the Crown in terms of breeches of the Treaty.

In October 2004 Tapuika under the mantle of the TIA make application to the Waitangi Tribunal Central North Island District Enquiry to participate as an observer in the Waitangi Tribunal Hearing (CNI Hearing WAI 1200).

Permission obtained from Te Rangiamokura Hiini for TIA to utilize his WAI 615 claim in order to progress Tapuika’s claims through the CNI Waitangi Tribunal Enquiry Hearing.

February 2005, Rereamanu Wihapi and the late Te Keepa Marsh appear before the Tribunal on behalf of Tapuika to outline the basis of Tapuika’s historical claim in the area referred to as Te Takapu o Tapuika.

Following the Hearing, Tapuika makes application to the Tribunal to participate fully in the CNI Hearings. The application is granted. Tapuika to present evidence of claims to the next hearing in July 2005 at Rydges Hotel Rotorua.

Change in Crown Forest Rental Trust (CFRT) policy enables TIA to apply for funding to undertake historical research. Due to the lack of available historians, Tapuika required to undertake their own mana whenua research.

Late February 2005 Hui a Iwi at Makahae Marae results in the establishment of the Tapuika Roopu Rangahau led by Dr Hinematau McNeill, Piatarihi Callaghan, Kirsty Maxwell – Crawford and the late Te Keepa Marsh

March 2005 funding approved by CFRT for research. Results of Tapuika Roopu Rangahau research produced in the ‘Tapuika Mana Whenua Report’. Report later validated by Tapuika at a Hui a Iwi in June 2005.

11 July 2005, Tapuika appears before the Tribunal CNI Enquiry in Rotorua to present evidence of Tapuika’s historical grievances.

November 2005 Tapuika attends CNI Hearings at Waitahanui Taupo. Crown’s closing submissions to the Tribunal, acknowledges Tapuika losses, seeks to meet with Tapuika.

December 2005 Tapuika met informally with the Office of Treaty Settlements
(OTS) to discuss the process of settlement. Advised that OTS Policy is to negotiate with large natural groupings and not with individuals. OTS further advises that the large natural grouping for the coastline is Tapuika, Waitaha and Makino.

January 2006 Hui a Iwi held at Tia Marae, Te Paamu discusses whether Tapuika should enter direct negotiations with the Crown for the purposes of settlement or continue with the Waitangi Tribunal. The Hui resolves to “enter direct negotiations with the Crown”.

March 2006 OTS formally advised that Tapuika will withdraw from further involvement in the Tribunal in order to enter into direct negotiations with the Crown for settlement of Tapuika historical claims.

April 2006, Tapuika Hui with Waitaha at Hei Marae to seek to enter into a large natural grouping with Waitaha and Makino. Waitaha response is that they have formed a grouping with Makino. Will agree to Tapuika’s request if Makino agrees

May 2006 Tapuika Hui with Makino at Otamarakau Marae to seek entry into the large natural grouping with Makino and Waitaha. Hui agrees subject to Tapuika writing to Makino Claims Group. Tapuika later informed by letter that has trampled Makino mana by informing OTS of outcome of the Hui.
TIA decides not to continue to seek entry into the large natural grouping of Makino and Waitaha.

December 2007 TIA submits mandating strategy for approval to OTS

February 2007 OTS advises TIA that would prefer Tapuika to undertake mandate in the large natural grouping with Makino and Waitaha
TIA decides to undertake Information Hui around the Motu to inform Tapuika members of activities in relation to Treaty claims. Advertisement placed in local and national papers.

10 March 2007 first information Hui at TIA Marae
17th March 2007 Information Hui at Greenock House Wellington
18th March 2007 Information Hui at Te Whakapumautanga Marae, Christchurch
24th March 2007 Information Hui at AUT Marae Te Wai o Horotiu, Auckland
01 April 2007 Information Hui at Makahae Marae, Te Puke

February 2008 Waitaha and Makino sign Terms of Negotiation. Tapuika not a party to the Terms.

28 February 2008 meeting with Wira Gardiner (Crown Negotiator) to enquire why Tapuika not included in Terms of Negotiations
07 March 2006 Makahae Marae, Te Puke met with Ngati Rangiwewehi to discuss entering into a Joint Partnership for the purposes of seeking to enter into Joint Negotiations with the Crown. Agreement reached in principle to jointly seek to enter into direct negotiations with the Crown.

March – August 2008 weekly joint planning meetings with Ngati Rangiwewehi

10 March 2008 Joint letter with Ngati Rangiwewehi to the Minister Treaty Negotiations Dr Cullen seeking to enter into joint negotiations with the Crown

19 March 2008 Minister Treaty Negotiations responds asks Tapuika and Ngati Rangiwewehi to explore joint groupings with other Te Arawa iwi not involved with CNI Forest Group and Te Pumautanga.

31 March 2008 meeting with Deputy Director OTS in Wellington to discuss joint negotiations

March 2008 meeting with Makino Makahae Marae to discuss overlapping claims

18 April 2008 meeting with CNI Negotiators Rotorua to discuss Rangiwewehi entry to CNI Forest Collective re Horohoro Forest

08 May 2008 meeting with Crown Ministers Dr Cullen, Parekura Horomia and Mita Ririnui in Wellington to discuss entry into joint negotiations with the Crown

May – July 2008 meetings (3) with Waitaha to discuss overlapping claims

19 June 2008 letter from Minster Dr Cullen confirming commitment to enter into joint negotiations with Tapuika and Ngati Rangiwewehi and an offer of on account payment to Tapuika and Ngati Rangiwewehi of $2.5 million each

June 2008 – development of large natural grouping paper, mandating strategy, budget and joint terms documentation for OTS

July 2008 meeting Rotorua with OTS Deputy Director to discuss terms of negotiations documentation and funding assistance for negotiations

July 2008 TIA mandating strategy endorsed by OTS, independent observers confirmed by TPK, advertising of mandating Hui through local and national papers

10 August 2008 TIA Board endorse Negotiation Team recommendation from Claims Coordinator

14 August 2008 TIA Trust Chair signs Terms of Negotiation with the Crown Wellington subject to gaining mandate from Tapuika