2018 was a big year for our iwi as we worked hard to reach key milestones in our journey to settlement. The commitment and dedication shown by our people is something we can all be proud of.

Our journey to settlement has been a prolonged and sometimes frustrating one, and we respect that people are eager to see our settlement come to fruition so we can focus on building a better future for Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua. It is our aspiration as Trustees to achieve progress for you, our people.

This process is ongoing in 2021 and members were asked to vote on an enhanced settlement package negotiated with the Crown. This includes everything from the ratification initialled in 2018, as well as additional benefits. You can check those out here.

Majority support was received for the enhanced package, and the Trust now awaits word from the Crown to hear if it is sufficient support. 68.02% of members voted in favour of the package. If it is deemed to be sufficient, we expect to sign the Deed of Settlement in 2021. Our people will see the benefits shortly after. To read more about this, click here. But it is also important to reflect on our journey and our mahi to this point.

In 2019, we received notification from the Crown that the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Hon Andrew Little, and Te Minita Whanaketanga Māori had reviewed the ratification results for our Deed of Settlement.

The Crown confirmed that they believe the ratification results show sufficient support from our iwi members for the Deed of Settlement to progress.

The Crown acknowledged that the ratification process was carried out in a robust manner and provided all registered members of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua with the opportunity to receive information about the Deed of Settlement and discuss and vote on whether the Deed of Settlement should be accepted.

However, resumption applications prompted litigation to begin; and it is still going today. Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua continued negotiating with the Crown while court proceedings were underway; leading to the enhanced package that has been put forth for your show of support in July 2021.The Trust believed the enhanced package is entirely better than waiting for litigation to run its course, with no end to those processes in sight. However, so did our members. They voted overwhelmingly in support of the much improved and comprehensive settlement.

What happens next

The majority of our members voted in favour of an enhanced package in 2021. It is expected to be signed the same year if the Crown deems support to be sufficient. All who whakapapa to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua will reap the benefits soon thereafter.

This will be a momentous and historic occasion for Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, one which we hope to see this year.

We will continue to keep you informed on progress and outcomes whānau, and in the meantime you can contact any of your Trustees, or the administration team with questions.

Ratification Information Booklet

The Ratification Information Booklet contains all the key information about the proposed settlement from 2018.

You can read the Ratification Information Booklet online here.

Ratification Hui Presentation 

You can watch the presentation played at the Ratification Hui below.

A video from the livestream of the Mangakino hui on November 5 2018, is also available to view on the Trust Facebook page.

Key documents

Not registered?

Even though the voting period has closed, it is still important that you register with the Trust.

Registering is the first step to:

  • Received regular pānui on important issues and decisions affecting our Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua Settlement.
  • If there are any further votes on matters related to our Treaty Settlement in the future, registered members 18 years or older will be able to vote and have their say.

If you are not yet registered, but you whakapapa to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, you can register by phoning 0800 559 9867, emailing admin@kkwtnr.org.nz or by completing the online registration form, here.