The Settlement Process
2013
Te Toi Kura was the entity established to lead the Ngati Ruapani claims. Around that time they sought a mandate to negotiate the full and final settlement of the Ngāti Ruapani claims.
Te Toi Kura were unsuccessful in receiving a mandate from the people of Ngāti Ruapani to lead the settlement of the claim.
2014
A former member of Te Toi Kura organised a meeting at Te Kuha Marae with the purpose of seeking the endorsement of Ngāti Ruapani uri to establish a new group to lead the Ngāti Ruapani Claim.
As a result of this hui a new group called Te Tatau Pounamu was established.
Members of Te Toi Kura and other uri of Ngāti Ruapani at the hui did not agree with the establishment of the new group and continued to progress as Te Toi Kura. Te Toi Kura and Te Tatau Pounamu continued to meet, their priority was finding a way for how the two groups could work together.
2016
The Office of Treaty Settlements (OTS) informed Ngāti Ruapani representative groups that they would only deal with one group. In response, Te Toi Kura approached the Waikaremoana Tribal Authority to gauge interest in forming a unified negotiation group for Ngāti Ruapani.
The Tribal Authority agreed and established the Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Working Group. Elections were held for the newly formed group, resulting in the following representatives: Nicki Lambert and Neuton Lambert for Te Kuha, Tina Wagner and Te Ori Paki for Te Waimako, Kara Dentice for Te Toi Kura, and Malcolm Tuahine for the Waikaremoana Tribal Authority.
The definition of Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana was agreed upon, encompassing the whānau of Te Kuha Marae and Te Waimako Marae who descend from one or more of the tūpuna Hinekura, Pukehore, and/or Tuwai.
2018
From the 24th of May 2018 to the 2nd of July 2018, the Ngati Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Negotiating Group travelled Aotearoa, holding a series of hui to collectively discuss the claims throughout the motu and hear the whanau korero.
We visited Poneke, Christchurch, Hastings, Auckland, Rotorua, Taneatua, Gisborne, and Waikaremoana. To read more about the discussions held at these hui, click here.
In December, mandate voting hui were held to seek the mandate to enter into negotiations with the Crown.
2019
The Office of Treaty Settlements (OTS) informed Ngāti Ruapani representative groups that they would only deal with one group. In response, Te Toi Kura approached the Waikaremoana Tribal Authority to gauge interest in forming a unified negotiation group for Ngāti Ruapani.
The Tribal Authority agreed and established the Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Working Group. Elections were held for the newly formed group, resulting in the following representatives: Nicki Lambert and Neuton Lambert for Te Kuha, Tina Wagner and Te Ori Paki for Te Waimako, Kara Dentice for Te Toi Kura, and Malcolm Tuahine for the Waikaremoana Tribal Authority.
The definition of Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana was agreed upon, encompassing the whānau of Te Kuha Marae and Te Waimako Marae who descend from one or more of the tūpuna Hinekura, Pukehore, and/or Tuwai.
2021
Hui a tau and Aspirations Movie 2021
On April 10, 2021, Te Waimako Marae hosted the hui a tau, featuring the first official showing of the Aspirations Movie. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, updates from the Negotiation Group confirmed that progress continued cautiously.
Tamariki filled the whare with joy, excited to see themselves on screen. Following the movie, whānau engaged in small group discussions about their aspirations for Waikaremoana Education, Mana Motuhake, Culture and Identity, and Manaaki te Whenua, sharing insights afterwards.
Overall, the hui fostered a positive atmosphere with lively discussions and questions.
Aspirations Roadshow
- In May and June 2021, the Negotiating Group travelled to four rōhe to present the Aspirations Movie, and gather aspirations. Some of the aspirations were similar, whilst others were something that most take for granted such as wanting a shop, but mostly the aspirations were wanting the Ngati Ruapani claim to be settled.
- The roadshows drew a lot of interest. Unfortunately due to protests and unbalanced reporting that upset our Rangatahi it was agreed to pause the roadshow at Ngatapa and postpone to a later date.
Kapu tī with our whanaunga Iwi
Between June and July 2021, Neuton Lambert (Te Kūhā Tārewa representative) and Hemi Waiwai (Te Kūhā Tārewa representative) met with whanaunga Iwi.
NRMW received support from Tūhoe, Ngati Pahauwera, Tatau Tatau, Te Whānau a Kai (below picture), Ngāi Tamanuhiri (above picture) - hui with Te Aitanga a Mahaki and Rongowhakaata are yet to be scheduled.
2022
From the 24th of May 2018 to the 2nd of July 2018, the Ngati Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Negotiating Group travelled Aotearoa, holding a series of hui to collectively discuss the claims throughout the motu and hear the whanau korero.
We visited Poneke, Christchurch, Hastings, Auckland, Rotorua, Taneatua, Gisborne, and Waikaremoana. To read more about the discussions held at these hui, click here.
In December, mandate voting hui were held to seek the mandate to enter into negotiations with the Crown.
Crown presents offer
Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Negotiation Group reconvened with the Crown Treaty Office after a hiatus due to COVID-19's second wave.
The Crown Treaty Office's Senior Historian presented the Crown's acknowledgments.
The Crown made its first offer, $17M
Hui-ā-Tau at Te Kūha Marae
On April 9, 2022, we held the Hui-ā-Tau at Te Kūha Marae with a livestream link.
24 whānau attended in person; approximately 29 joined via livestream.
Uri turns down the offer from the Crown and tasks the trustees to go back to the table and seek more funds.
Expanding the team
We advertised for a Communications Advisor and Financial Administrator in the Wairoa Star.
After a series of interviews, we appointed:
Te Iwa Rangihau as Communications Advisor
Paygan Johns as Financial Administrator
Crown renew their offer, extra $7M awarded!
At our Hui-ā-tau, we presented the Crown's initial $17 million offer, deemed insufficient.
We negotiated for a higher quantum.
On June 16, Minister Little offered $24 million, less $2.466 million for our 50% share in Patunamu Forest.
This is a respectable figure compared to others with the same registered members.
27 Aug, 2022 NRMW signs Agreement in Principle
NRMW and hapū address false allegations
At the hapū hui on November 6, 2022, at Waimako Marae, hapū and NRMW representatives confronted the untruths directly.
The hapū unanimously expressed support for NRMW, stating that the allegations were unfounded and untrue.
They agreed there should be one house for Waikaremoana to prevent division and separation.
They reaffirmed their support for Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana.
February 2024
Crown and Ngāti Ruapani reconvene to discuss aspirations for land return to Te Urewera through the Ngāti Ruapani settlement and more property redress.
2024 - 2025
Negotiations for enhanced redress take place.
November 25
Initial Deed of Settlement.
Deed of Settlement
To read the full version, click "Read More." To see a summary, just click on here
Agreement in Principle
An agreement in principle was signed on 22 August 2022. Click on the "Read More" link.
Letter of Commitment
Upholding the integrity and intent of the negotiated treaty settlement arrangements.
Crown Recognition
Ngāti Ruapani Working Group is formally recognised to have the mandate. Click "Read More."
Mandate Vote
Ngāti Ruapani Working Group seek the mandate to enter into negotiations with the Crown.
WAI 3048
The application for urgency is dismissed by the Honourable Judge Sarah Reeves, 19 October 2023.
Register with NRMW
You can register online, print and email the completed form to registration@nrmw.co.nz, or register in person at any ratification and information hui.