Muaūpoko Treaty Claims

Muaūpoko has a long history of seeking recognition and redress for the impacts of Crown actions on our people, whenua, wai and taonga.

Muaūpoko Treaty claims address historical Crown acts and omissions and their effects on generations of Muaūpoko whānau. These claims form part of the wider process through which Muaūpoko seeks recognition of historical grievances and appropriate redress.

The first registered Muaūpoko Treaty claim, WAI 52, was lodged with the Waitangi Tribunal in 1988. Since then, a number of claims relating to Muaūpoko have been lodged and considered through Waitangi Tribunal inquiries.

The Treaty claims process

Historical Treaty claims can progress through both the Waitangi Tribunal inquiry process and Treaty settlement negotiations with the Crown.

These processes are related, but they have different roles.

Waitangi Tribunal

The Waitangi Tribunal hears claims about Crown actions or omissions that are alleged to have breached Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi.

Muaūpoko claims form part of the Porirua ki Manawatū District Inquiry (WAI 2200). Muaūpoko claims received priority hearings in 2015, resulting in the Tribunal’s Horowhenua: The Muaūpoko Priority Report in 2017. Further Muaūpoko evidence was heard through the wider inquiry in 2026.

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Treaty settlement negotiations

Treaty settlement negotiations are the process through which a claimant group and the Crown seek to agree redress for historical Treaty claims.

Before negotiations can proceed, the claimant group determines who has authority to represent it. The Crown may then recognise that mandate for the purpose of negotiations. A mandate authorises representatives to negotiate a proposed settlement; it does not itself give those representatives ownership or control of any eventual settlement assets.

The settlement process can ultimately include agreed historical acknowledgements, a Crown apology, and cultural, financial and commercial redress.

Representing Muaūpoko

Muaūpoko Tribal Authority has undertaken work relating to the progression of Muaūpoko historical Treaty claims and engagement with the Crown.

Its role is separate from the Waitangi Tribunal itself. The Tribunal independently hears and reports on claims, while settlement negotiations are undertaken between claimant representatives and the Crown.

Muaūpoko Tribal Authority continues to keep whānau informed as significant developments occur.

Settlement governance

A negotiated Treaty settlement does not automatically transfer settlement assets to the entity that conducts the negotiations.

Before a final settlement is completed, the claimant group has the opportunity to consider and vote on the proposed settlement and the governance arrangements for receiving and managing settlement assets.

A Post-Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) is generally established for this purpose and must be approved by the claimant group through a ratification process.

Any future governance arrangements for Muaūpoko settlement assets would therefore be subject to a process involving Muaūpoko members.

Where things currently sit

The Muaūpoko Treaty claims kaupapa continues through the Waitangi Tribunal and the wider Treaty settlement process.

The Porirua ki Manawatū District Inquiry has heard substantial Muaūpoko evidence, including the priority hearings that resulted in the 2017 Horowhenua: The Muaūpoko Priority Report and further evidence heard during the wider inquiry.

Updates on significant developments relating to Muaūpoko Treaty claims and settlement matters will be shared with whānau through the Muaūpoko website and iwi communications.

Learn More

For more information about the Treaty settlement process, visit:
Office of Treaty Settlements (OTS) – information about the Treaty settlement process and Crown negotiations.
Waitangi Tribunal (WT) – information about inquiries, hearings, reports and registered claims.
Crown Forestry Rental Trust (CFRT) – support and funding information for eligible claimant groups.

Related information

Muaūpoko Waitangi Tribunal Claims
Read about WAI 2200, the Muaūpoko priority hearings, the Horowhenua: The Muaūpoko Priority Report and subsequent hearings.

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Marine and Coastal Area (MACA)
MACA is a separate legal process relating to customary rights and interests in the marine and coastal area.

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