On 29 November 2012 the Crown recognised the Trustees’ mandate to represent and progress all the Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua hapu karanga claims during settlement negotiations with the Crown. Our Deed of Mandate was endorsed by the Hon Chris Finlayson, Minister of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, and the Hon Hekia Parata, Minister with Delegated Responsibility for Takitimu.
The Trustees convened hui to seek the mandate in Palmerston North, Masterton, Napier, Dannevirke, Greytown, Mangakino, Wellington, Blenheim, Christchurch, Hamilton, Gisborne and Auckland in February and March 2012. The hui were advertised in national and local newspapers and publicised by interviews on national radio, pānui to those on our current mailing list and the Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated mailing list and through distribution to a number of other iwi and hapu organisations. Over 300 people voted at these hui and voted overwhelming for the resolution that the Trust represent the hapu karanga to enter into settlement negotiations for the historical Treaty claims
Mandataing Hui
At each mandating hui:
- information was provided about the Trust structure, the mandate strategy and the negotiations process; and
- eligible members were able to vote on the following mandate resolution to enable the Trustees to become the mandated representatives for the Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua claimants:
“That the Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua Trust represent all Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua hapu karanga to enter into negotiations with the Crown for the comprehensive settlement of all Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua hapu karanga historical Treaty claims”
Voting
Voting on the mandate resolution took place by show of hands. Votes were counted at each hui by an independent scrutineer, the results recorded and added to the results from all mandating hui. Those voting at the mandating hui had to be 18 years or over and be able to whakapapa to any one or more of the hapu affiliated to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua. As there were more votes in favour of the mandate resolution than votes against (with 97% of votes in favour of the resolution), the Trust achieved a mandate to represent the claimant community.
Independent Crown Observer
An independent Crown observer from Te Puni Kokiri was present at each hui. The independent Crown observer did not take part in the discussions at the hui and provided the Crown with a report on how the hui was conducted. This report was taken into account by the Crown in deciding whether to recognise the Trustees’ mandate.
Steps taken to get a Crown Recognised Mandate
The Trustees
- Prepared a Mandate Strategy and sent that strategy to the Crown who then publically advertised the Mandate Strategy and sought submissions
- Advertised and convened mandating hui for the trustees of the Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua Trust to seek a mandate in accordance with the advertised strategy.
- Advertised the mandate results.
- Collated the results and supporting documentation, finalised the Deed of Mandate and sent it to the Office of Treaty Settlements who then advertised the Deed of Mandate and again sought submissions.
Following consideration of the Deed of Mandate and submissions received, the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and the Minister with Delegated Responsibility for Takitimu, then decided to recognise the mandate.
Documents
Our NgatiKahungunuDeedofMandate can be found here. (If you require the various schedules to this document please contact the office)
Our 120202.Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua Mandate Strategy FINAL can be found here